A Campbell River massage therapist is hosting a new, full-day conference for women at the Tidemark Theatre on Oct. 26.
Kathy Grayson has created the conference to offer insight, knowledge, tools and resources to women navigating the transition from perimenopause to menopause and beyond. It will feature an impressive team of clinicians, healthcare professionals and community leaders.
“Perimenopause and menopause can be extremely challenging and complicated times for women," Grayson says in an Oct. 9 media release. "When approaching perimenopause, I was so frustrated with the lack of research and information available."
As owner and operator of Mid Island Massage in Campbell River, she said she regularly works with women who are struggling with navigating peri and menopause related issues.
“I wanted to create an opportunity to challenge the shame and isolation so many women feel," explained Grayson. "The conference is designed to create a safe space to share and learn from local professionals that can help women to feel empowered and equipped."
The conference will feature an extensive list of practitioners who are presenting on a breadth of topics.
“We have an incredible number of talented professionals from different disciplines coming to share their expertise,” said Grayson. “From a nurse practitioner, pharmacist, gynecologist, traditional medicine woman, naturopath, dietician, clinical counsellor and physiotherapists — there’s really going to be such a breadth of information and resources shared.”
Tickets are available at the Tidemark Theatre for both in-person attendees and those who prefer online streaming. The conference runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with additional learning experiences in the lobby.
While Grayson expects the conference to be filled with mainly women, she said she encourages men to attend as well. “The more support and knowledge we have about perimenopause and menopause, the better outcomes for our entire community,” said Grayson. She has also recently established a nonprofit society.
“I’m very excited about the establishment of the North Island Menopause Society in Campbell River,” said Grayson. “It will help us to develop resources for women year-round, as well as continue this conference on an annual basis for years to come.”