Afternoon Event to Feature Nationally Known Expert on Women’s Health

By Frances Dumenci

The Virginia Commonwealth University Institute for Women’s Health will host an afternoon of Celebrating Women’s Health: Our Bodies Ourselves on Friday, Sept. 25, from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Science Museum of Virginia.

Highlighting the event will be the internationally known women’s health activist and writer Judy Norsigian, co-founder and executive director of Our Bodies Ourselves. Norsigian will speak from her more than 40 years of experience advocating and inspiring women to take charge of their own health by providing accessible, research-based information about women’s health and sexuality.

She also will focus on the organization’s newest quest to address the questions and needs of women during pregnancy, childbirth and the “fourth trimester” of early motherhood. Her newest book, Our Bodies, Ourselves: Pregnancy and Birth, dispels many common misconceptions about maternity care and provides women with the information they need to make wise decisions and approach birth with confidence.

A co-author of several books on women’s health, Norsigian has appeared on numerous national television and radio programs, including Oprah, the Today Show, Good Morning America and The Early Show. She served on the board of the National Women’s Health Network for 14 years and currently serves as a board member for Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research.

Norsigian is the founder and longtime board member of Community Works, which raises funds for Boston area social change organizations. Her personal recognitions include: the Public Service Award from the Massachusetts Public Health Association; Radcliffe College Alumnae Association Annual Recognition Award; Boston YWCA’s Academy of Women Achievers; the Massachusetts Health Council Award; and an honorary doctorate degree from Boston University.

The afternoon event also will feature information about women’s health services and resources from the VCU Medical Center. Light refreshments will be provided. The event is free, but reservations are requested by registering at www.womenshealth.vcu.edu or calling 804-827-1885.