SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (Good Things Utah) - Intermountain Health is offering free Ladies Night Out events at seven hospital locations across Utah in late September through October, to not only help celebrate women’s health, but also to teach women more about their healthcare needs through the various decades of their lives.

“As women we spend so much time as caregivers (for children, family, and friends) that often remembering to take care of ourselves is last on the list!” said Denitza Blagev, MD, an Intermountain Health pulmonologist and the chief medical officer at Intermountain Riverton Hospital.

Research shows women make 80 percent of the healthcare decisions for their families. So, the more informed they are, the healthier they and their loved ones.

The events aim to empower women with the knowledge, resources, and support to make these decisions, which can ultimately help improve the public health outcomes for our communities.

Women will leave each event with information about the health screenings or services they might need for whatever stage of life they’re in – from adolescence to childbirth, to the postpartum period, to helping to prevent breast cancer with regular mammograms, and through the ups and downs of menopause and beyond.

The Ladies Night Out events will take place at seven Intermountain hospitals along the Wasatch Front, in the Wasatch Back, and in Sanpete County. Women of any age can attend.

The Intermountain Ladies Night Out schedule is as follows:

• Intermountain LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City: Tues, Sept. 24, 6-8 pm.

• Intermountain Riverton Hospital: Thurs, Sept. 26, 6:30-8:30 pm.

• Intermountain Heber Valley Hospital: Wed, Oct. 2, 6-8 pm.

• Intermountain Medical Center, Murray: Tues, Oct. 8, 6:30-8:30 pm.

• Intermountain Alta View Hospital, Sandy: Wed, Oct. 9, 6-8 pm.

• Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital, Ogden: Thurs, Oct. 10, 5:30-7:30 pm.

• Intermountain Sanpete Valley Hospital, Mt. Pleasant: Wed, Oct. 16, 5-7 pm.

Women will be able to meet and interact with women’s health providers from various medical specialties, such as: women and newborn care, behavioral health, mammography, nutrition, and pediatrics, as well as caregivers who specialize in women’s sports medicine, physical therapy, urology, and breast reconstruction.

“Working in mammography, I’m very passionate about women’s health. I know sometimes as women, we put our own health on the back burner. Getting regular mammograms starting at age 40 is the most proactive thing you can do to help detect breast cancer early,” said Jennifer Bessinger, imaging, and mammography manager at Intermountain LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City.

“We’re seeing breast cancer in younger patients. If you have a history of breast cancer, it’s recommended to get a mammogram earlier than age 40. If you do a breast self-exam and notice a change in your breasts, make an appointment,” she added.

“Be sure to keep up on all your health screenings, not just mammograms. Many women don’t know that heart disease is the number one killer for women, as it is for men. It’s important to control your cholesterol (lipids), high blood pressure, and other modifiable risk factors to prevent heart disease,” said Dr. Blagev. “And don’t forget a colonoscopy is recommended at age 45 to screen for colon cancer.”

Intermountain Ladies Night Out events offer a fun atmosphere with interactive displays, and activities for women to hear healthcare experts, or opportunities to create something to take home. There will be healthy food options to sample from hospital chefs, free giveaways, prize drawings and more.

The Intermountain Ladies Night Out at LDS Hospital event will feature a panel of four women’s health-related providers. Women can also get a flu shot at the event or schedule a mammogram. Women can also create and take home a succulent plant arrangement inside a mini pumpkin.

The Intermountain  Ladies Night Out event at Riverton Hospital will also offer flu shots, and mammogram scheduling. There will be a Red Couch photo opportunity from women’s heart services, healthy recipes, free pumpkin craft kits, a succulent plant station and free dish towels. Plus, free naloxone kits and gun locks to keep families safe.

For more information about the events, visit the Intermountain Health Ladies Night Out webpage on intermountainhealth.org or follow Intermountain Health or your local Intermountain hospital on Facebook or Instagram.

Sponsored by Intermountain Health