MCC Speaker Series to explore misconceptions, tips for menopause
Going through menopause can be stressful for many women but it doesn't have to be. McHenry County College's latest Experts and Insights speaker series, "Is it Hot in Here or Is It Just Me?" explores myths, facts, tips, and tricks for dealing with this phase of life. The session will be presented in person on Thursday, March 17 at 6 p.m. at the college's Luecht Auditorium, 8900 Route 14 in Crystal Lake.
In an interactive panel discussion, MCC instructors Christine Grela, Christen Louderman, and Elaine Whalen examine the many aspects of menopause and perimenopause, dispel common beliefs about the experience, and share wellness tips from a psychological and biological standpoint.
"This presentation will focus on the interaction of mind and body and how we can make menopause and aging in general a positive experience as opposed to an experience to dread," Grela said. "Women of any age can benefit from learning more about their health and how to improve their well-being."
Christine Grela, Ph.D., has been teaching psychology at MCC for 17 years. She received her degree from the University of Chicago in Human Development: Psychology. In addition to life span development, she teaches Human Sexuality. It is that combined interest that brought her to this presentation on menopause.
Christen Louderman PT, DPT, is an instructor in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program and has been teaching at MCC for six years. She received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Creighton University and continues to treat patients along with teaching. Her area of expertise in physical therapy is women's health, and she works with women who are both pre- and postmenopausal in regards to the physical aspects of menopause and pelvic health.
Elaine Whalen, M.S., is an instructor and department chair of Health and Fitness Education. She has been teaching at MCC for 21 years, and received her degrees from S.U.N.Y. and Penn State University. Her area of specialty is nutrition, women's health, and complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) with regards to alternative treatments in women.
The session is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged but not required. Register and learn more at www.mchenry.edu/experts. Participants can also submit questions prior to the event via the website.
MCC no longer requires masks/face coverings to be worn on campus. However, event attendees and individuals in crowded classrooms/highly populated areas of campus are strongly advised to continue wearing a mask when there is difficulty distancing.
The next Experts and Insights sessions include "Stuck in an Echo Chamber? How to Find Your Way Out: A Path to Objectivity" on April 21 and "The Importance of Native Plants in the Landscape" on May 19. Both sessions will take place at 6 p.m.
If you need an accommodation or a sign language interpreter, please contact MCC's Access and Disability Services department at (815) 455-8766 or disabilityservices@mchenry.edu.
The "Experts and Insights" series originally started in 2019 as an opportunity for the community to experience the high quality of education and expertise provided by MCC's faculty as they present topics in their fields of study.