(April 02, 2012) Sellersville, PA - Over 150 women took time from their busy lives to learn new ways to reduce stress and achieve a balanced, healthy life by attending Grand View’s ‘Balancing Act’ health seminar held at the Outpatient Center at Sellersville on Friday evening, March 30. Women came to hear Grand View affiliated physicians speak on stress and its effects on heart and digestive health and how to manage it. The crowd also heard from professionals who shared expert tips on easy ways to reduce stress and improve one’s outlook through home organization, journaling, and the power of positive thinking using meditation. Some women explored topics on aging and longevity with a special presentation on retirement planning.

Bev Gwozdz of An Extra Hand Organizing shared easy organizational techniques to create a more simplified and relaxed home environment benefitting the entire family

Attendees sampled an array of healthy, hearty appetizers, and desserts. Audience response suggests the evening not only informed the crowd on important health issues, but also provided an enjoyable night out that left them with a brightened outlook. Event organizer Patricia Lembo of Grand View’s health promotion and wellness department said, “Our fast pace world can wear on our health. Hopefully we’ve provided women with some new strategies to help steer clear of negative health affects while enjoying a more balanced life.”

A variety of lectures rounded out the evening and included:

• The keynote presentation, The Balancing Act, by licensed social worker Monica Gocial, LCSW, shared ways to make life more manageable and decrease stress. Gocial also suggested new skills to address problems, evaluate relationships, and improve motivation.
• Stress and Your Heart by cardiologist Michelle Stram, MD, of Buxmont Cardiology Associates provided information to help women decode the stress/heart disease relationship. Dr. Stram discussed risk factors and preventative strategies for heart health. more
• Stress and Your Digestive Health by gastroenterologist Daisy Ortiz, MD, of Bux-Mont Gastroenterology Associates suggested ways to reduce stress and fend off attacks on digestive health. Grand View Hospital clinical nutrition manager Jean West-Zawacki, RD, LDN and Tracey McGinley, CRNP joined Dr. Ortiz in addressing audience questions.
• Journal Your Way to a Better Life by communications consultant Danielle Wallace discussed creative ways of taking time to reflect on life by journaling.
• It’s Not Your Mother's Retirement by Diane Machinist, MetLife Financial Planner, informed the audience about what today's woman needs to know and do now to retire comfortably.
• Organizing for Simplicity by Bev Gwozdz of An Extra Hand Organizing, shared easy organizational techniques to create a more simplified and relaxed home environment benefitting the entire family.

Grand View Hospital offers an array of women’s and children’s health services and screenings for each stage of life. Whether teen, middle, or senior years, care is tailored to women’s unique needs, including heart and vascular care, breast health, cancer care, surgery (general, gynecologic, and orthopaedic), nutrition counseling, weight management, and other services. Each year more than 1,600 new mothers get the best possible start for a growing family in Grand View’s Birth and Family Center. For complicated births and caesarian sections, CHOP pediatricians assist Grand View physicians. When newborns are premature or require extra attention, CHOP neonatologists care for them in a Level II NICU. CHOP pediatricians staff Grand View’s pediatrics unit and also provide emergency medical consultations. About Grand View Hospital

GVH Breast Care Coordinator Cathy Haberle at the Breast Health Display showing entrees from the fundraiser “Bra for a Cause”

Grand View Hospital, Bucks County’s first hospital, has provided residents of Bucks and Montgomery counties with comprehensive health care services since 1913. Grand View offers a range of inpatient and outpatient care – particularly emphasizing the areas of surgery and orthopaedics, women’s and children's health, heart and vascular care, and cancer treatment. For more information about Grand View Hospital services and programs, please call the Grand View Information Line at 215-453-4300 or visit www.gvh.org.