Shining through "the Change"

a conference for women experiencing perimenopause or menopause

Saturday, October 5, 2024

$25 members/$35 non-members
at the West Portage Y

Join us to explore the years surrounding menopause and what they mean for your mental, physical, emotional and social health. Connect with others on this journey and come away with a better understanding of your experience, feeling empowered to manage your health.

Doors Open at 7:45am. Join us for a sunrise yoga* session before breakfast and sign in. Program starts at 9:30 am in the fitness studio.

Conference registration includes access to one of four evening info and group activity sessions exploring an additional topic. Meals and parking are included. Come dressed for light activity.

*Yoga mats available in limited quantities, please bring your own when possible.

Conference Topics

Topic TBA

This presentation will be a dive into menopause, perimenopause and postmenopause, with tips on how to navigate these life stages. Topics covered will include the science behind the menopause transition, common signs and symptoms, and current evidence-based treatments. We will also focus on debunking myths about menopause, discuss where to find the best information and how to talk to your health care provider.

We will discuss a proactive approach for women to take toward their
menopausal health, including mental health, which includes nutrition, exercise
and breast screening.

We will answer the following questions:

Why do women gain weight in menopause and what can be done about it?
What is visceral fat and why is it important?
What does eating well in the menopause look like?
Do I need supplements or vitamins?
How much exercise should I get and what kind?
What can I expect for mental health changes in the menopause and what can I do about it?
Do I need to have a mammogram and when should I start?

We will also briefly discuss menopause in the workplace.

Conference Agenda

Time	Activity	Venue
7:45am	Doors Open	Multipurpose Room
8:00am	Sunrise Exercise: Yoga (45 min)	Gymnasium
8:30am	Sign In / Vendor Hall / Continental Breakfast	Multipurpose Room
9:30am	Welcome & Introductions with Cordella Friesen, CEO & President, Y Winnipeg	Fitness Studio
9:45am	Keynote with Dr. Joss Reimer	Fitness Studio
	Break
11:00am	Morning Energizer: GentleFit with Angela	Fitness Studio
11:15am	Navigating Menopause with Dr. Rebecca Renkas	Fitness Studio
12:15pm	Lunch	Multipurpose Room
12:45pm	Building the Resources to Shine: a Discussion with Cordella Friesen	Fitness Studio
1:15pm	Thriving in Menopause with Dr. Jennifer Malmstrom	Fitness Studio
2:15pm	Closing Remarks	Fitness Studio
2:30pm	Optional Facility Tours

Dr Joss Reimer: Keynote Speaker

Dr. Joss Reimer is the President of the Canadian Medical Association and maintains a clinical practice in maternity care, labour and delivery at Women's Hospital.

She has served as chief medical officer for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, medical director of public health for Winnipeg, and director of population health for undergraduate medical education at the University of Manitoba (U of M). In her public health role she is best known as the medical lead and official spokesperson for Manitoba's COVID-19 Vaccine Implementation Taskforce.

From her roots in rural Manitoba, she went on to complete her medical training at the U of M and McMaster University, training several years in obstetrics and gynecology before finishing a public health specialty and a master’s degree in public health.

Awards include the Doctors Manitoba Humanitarian of the Year award, the Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Medal, the U of M Distinguished Alumni award, the Government of Manitoba's Pandemic Medical Hero Award and the St. John Ambulance Pandemic Medallion.

Our 2024 Speakers

Dr Rebecca Renkas

Dr. Renkas is a family physician and menopause practitioner who has dedicated much of her career to women’s health. She was a counselor at the Women’s Health Clinic and research assistant in the U of M Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology before obtaining a medical degree from the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. She has served as Co-President of the Professional Association of Residents and Interns of Manitoba and a Board Member of Doctors Manitoba.

Dr Jennifer Malmstrom

Dr Jennifer Malmstrom is a family physician from Winnipeg. She did her training at University of Manitoba, worked in primary care for a number of years in Winnipeg and in Elie before joining the Mature Women’s Center in Winnipeg. Since its closure in 2017 she continues to do menopause medicine in the community and also enjoys her work at St Amant Center.

Info & Group Activity Sessions

Once registered for the conference, you will receive an email allowing you to choose to attend one of the following 6:00-8:00 pm sessions:

October 10: Pilates with Body Acceptance

Enjoy a 45-minute Pilates class with Wendy Shewchuk, Y Winnipeg Community Hub Manager and certified Pilates instructor. Stay for a post workout snack and a talk by Nicole Closs, Y Winnipeg Mental Health Team, on Body Acceptance. Discover techniques and ways of thinking to embrace your body through "the change."

October 10: Synergy with Body Acceptance

Enjoy a 45-minute Synergy class with Aliza Lerner, Y Winnipeg Adult & Senior Program Coordinator. After your strengthening circuit workout, enjoy a post workout snack and a talk by Nicole Closs, Y Winnipeg Mental Health Team, on Body Acceptance. Discover techniques and ways of thinking to embrace your body through "the change."

October 16: Building Mindfulness & Self-esteem

Join Rebecca Trudeau, Y Winnipeg Manager, Mental Health Services, as she leads you through a Mindfulness practice including a relaxing mix of light movement, meditation, and grounding. Mats and pillows provided. The info session explores your view of your self and identity for healthier self-esteem. Snack included.

October 22: Strength & Resilience for Your Pelvic Floor

Discover the importance of a strong core and pelvic floor. Through gentle movement and mindful breathing, you'll learn to enhance your pelvic floor health. Alisa Hobbs, Y Winnipeg Instructor, will guide you through the info session and exercises with her experience specializing in perinatal yoga, mindfulness, and pelvic health. Snack included.