For the first time ever, The American Medical Women’s Association at Oakland University William Beaumont (OUWB) School of Medicine will be hosting a Women’s Health Conference in hopes of empowering women to stay healthy.

The event will take place Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in 203 O’Dowd Hall. It is free and open to the public.

“This is our first year for the conference, but we are very hopeful that we will have a great crowd,” said Lexi Shepherd, American Medical Women’s Association at OUWB president. “AMWA is always looking for ways to be more involved in the community. A free health education event for women is a great way to make a difference, and we hope to expand this event each year to discuss different topics related to women’s health.”

The conference is titled “Know Your Body,” and those who attend will hear from experts such as OUWB medical students and the Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance (MIOCA) on several different health issues. Topics include women exams, ovarian cancer, nutrition, stress management and brain health.

Although there is a ton of health information all over the Internet, it’s hard to know what is correct, what is not and how to successfully use that information to be healthy.

“Women today are very busy with careers, family and other time commitments,” Shepherd said. “We hope that this three-hour conference will provide them with useful information which will empower them to listen to their bodies and be advocates for their own health.”

Simple things such as yearly check-ups may seem like a casual in-and-out visit, but there is much more to it than that. Many women know that they should see a primary care physician or an Obstetrician or Gynecologist once a year for a check up, but they may not know that there are various aspects of health that should be addressed in those appointments.

Those who attend the event will hear more about these aspects.

During the conference, one of the key things that will be addressed is “What to Expect From Your Well-Women Exam.” It’s hopeful that this will provide clarity, so that women can advocate for their own health and make the most of those yearly exams as well as other check-ups and doctor visits.

“It’s important for women to attend these type of conferences because we only have one body during our life,” junior Amanda Kassab said. “We need to know how to take the necessary precautions to remain healthy.”

The event has already received a great response from media, physicians and local businesses. Although it is the first year for it, there are hopes and expectations for a great crowd.

To register for the event click here.