Pointers learn about women’s health issues

Posted by UWSPcps - November 11, 2012 - Athletics, Featured, Outreach

Even the most athletic individuals can improve their health. That’s why UW-Stevens Point invited a panel of women’s health specialists from Ministry Health Group to speak to Pointers female student-athletes on Sunday, Nov. 11. [Photo Gallery]

Dr. Kit Swiecki, MD, Dr. Fred Boehm, MD, and Traci Smet ATC, CSCS, PES, presented to the Pointers about breast cancer, melanoma, injury prevention, nutrition, flexibility, and other women’s health issues. The panel emphasized the importance of education, early detection, and knowing yourself and the facts, including:

2.6 million women are alive in the US right now who have or have had breast cancer
1 in 8 women will get breast cancer in their lifetime
39,000 deaths from breast cancer in 2011

“Having an opportunity to educate our female student-athletes on general women’s health issues was something I did not want to pass on,” said UWSP head women’s basketball coach Shirley Egner. “The program was very informative and the women were given information that will benefit their personal well-being now and long after they are finished competing for UWSP.”