BY HILLARY VIDERS
SPECIAL TO NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS
ENGLEWOOD, N.J.—A women’s wellness program debuted at the Bergen Family Center (BFC) on Feb. 27. The eight-week program is offered for free to adult women in Bergen County.
BFC staff member Olga Carvajal coordinates and facilitates the Women’s Wellness Program. She reported that last year the program was presented in English and Spanish sessions four times a year, two in English and two in Spanish, with a total of 49 women between the ages of 18 and 83 attending.
Each date focuses on a specific theme. For example, the nutrition-themed session includes recipes and education on food groups, portion size, meal planning, shopping and label reading.
Another session in the program is devoted to physical activity with information about the benefits of exercise, yoga and Zumba. Stress management and mindfulness is the theme of another class.
Natalia Valencia, program director, is particularly excited about this ongoing bi-lingual offering because it reaches out to all sectors of the community.
“When you educate a woman, you educate her entire family!” she said.
Presenters on Feb. 27 were Dr. Diana Portilla, an internist affiliated with Englewood Health and Hackensack University Medical Center, and Dr. Lismary Espinal, a primary care physician and health educator affiliated with the Englewood Health Department.
Some 15 women attended the session, the theme of which was “Preventive Health Care.” Many brought young children and made use of the babysitting services the program offers. Each guest was asked to fill out an initial evaluation and questionnaire about her lifestyle and overall health.
Dr. Portilla spoke to the women about recommended medical tests, delving into bone density, blood pressure, cholesterol level, diabetes and vaccines. She advised the group to have regular tests and screenings—such as mammograms, pap smears and pelvic exams—and spoke about different tests that come along with the various stages of life.
Dr. Espinal’s topic for the evening was “Health Care Services,” and she described programs offered by the Englewood Health Department, most of which are free or affordably priced.
“We think in terms of having a partnership between the patient and the health care provider,” Espinal explained. “And we want you to use all the preventive tools in medicine available to women to get and maintain the best health possible.”
Dr. Espinal also serves the city by providing health education programs to Englewood residents, schools, senior groups, churches, and employees. She sees up to 10,000 people a year and pays for many of the medications that she then provides for free to her patients.
“I love being able to create programs and provide education throughout the city,” Espinal said.
In subsequent weeks, the Women’s Wellness Program at the BFC will present the following:
• March 6: “Women’s Mental Health,” with presenter Lina Ramirez, BA;
• March 13: “Meal Preparation,” with Health Barn USA;
• March 20: “How to Shop Smart,” with a representative from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP);
• March 27: “How to Detox Your Home,” with Erika Lee, an essential oil specialist;
• April 3: “Let’s Move,” hosted by a personal trainer;
• April 10: “Stress Management & Mindfulness,” with Marcia Gongora.
On week eight, the program will conclude with graduation.
Graduates from past Women’s Wellness Programs give it high marks.
“All of the participants have expressed the desire that women’s programs like this should be expanded,” Carvajal said.
The Women’s Wellness Program is sponsored by the Bridges Family Success Center, which is operated by the Bergen Family Center with funding from the New Jersey Department of Children and Families. The Women’s Wellness Program is also funded by a generous donation from Shelley Taub.