U of C Hosts Seminar For Adolescent Girls

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Dr. Anita Blanchard, a seminar panelist says it is important for young women to receive correct information concerning physical and emotional changes during puberty. (Photo Credit: University of Chicago Medical Center)
Dr. Anita Blanchard, a seminar panelist says it is important for young women to receive correct information concerning physical and emotional changes during puberty. (Photo Credit: University of Chicago Medical Center)

by Thelma Sardin

Puberty can be a difficult time for pre-teens. With their physical and emotional beings changing at a rapid pace, its helpful for youth to understand the changes their bodies are experiencing. For nearly fifteen years, a group of doctors and nurses at the University of Chicago Medical Center (UCMC) have hosted a seminar to help parents, guardians and young girls comprehend this life changing experience.

This years seminar will be held on April 30 and is titled, Preparing for adolescence: a free seminar for pre-teens and their moms.

Men are welcomed to bring their daughters or other female family members to the event also.

Doctors and nurses from the University of Chicago Medical Center will discuss topics including body changes during adolescence (ages 8-13), making good health choices, getting along with family members and others, and the importance of good diet, skin care, and exercise.

Dr. Anita Blanchard, an obstetrician/gynecologist at UCMC said the seminar is always scheduled close to Mothers Day; essentially, it is supposed to create quality time for mothers and daughters.

The event usually hosts 100-150 attendees, Dr. Blanchard said adding she is amazed by how popular it is.

The seminars panel includes Dr. Blanchard, Sylvia Davis, Gladys Nash and Dr. Marealita Pierce. Davis and Nash are nurse educators and Dr. Pierce is a pediatrician. The panels participants are African-American females. Dr. Blanchard says the panel sees themselves as role models because they all grew up on the south side, work on the south side and educate young girls on the south side. Dr. Blanchard also said the panelists relate to parents and guardians in the audience because they are also mothers.

The seminar is scheduled for Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 9:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. The location is as follow: University of Chicago Campus, Biological Sciences Learning Center 924 E. 57th Street, and Room 109.

Space is limited for the event and early registration is encouraged. Please log on to http://ucmcadolescence.eventbrite.com to register. If individuals have any questions or concerns they are encouraged to contact UCMCs Office of Community Affairs at 773-702-5600.

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