Are you having issues around infertility? Perhaps you have symptoms that are hard to deal with and are affecting your quality of life when it comes to painful periods or menopause. I plan on talking about simple outpatient surgical procedures  that are available such as:

• Hysteroscopy for uterine fibroids
• Sonata treatment: an incisionless procedure to reduce fibroid symptoms to reduce s/s including heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Endometrial ablation: a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat or cold to destroy the lining of the uterus to treat heavy menstrual bleeding
• Chromotubation: a procedure that involves injecting dye into the fallopian tubes to assess patency used to help determine the cause of infertility

All of life is important, including the end of life.  I will discuss the impact caregiving  for your elderly loved ones can take on a person and family. Also, I plan to discuss options and agencies in the community that provide assistance with this critical part of life. Education regarding hospice and dying is important to us all. 

Trauma has become a common word in our vocabulary in recent years but there are some misconceptions surrounding what it is and who it affects.  As an alcohol and drug counselor, I have the honor of witnessing the strength and courage it takes to overcome trauma, let go of unhealthy coping skills and recover.  

In an interactive educational presentation, I will share a comprehensive definition of trauma, including Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), explain how trauma impacts our brains, bodies and behavior and offer interventions and resources that can help us all find hope and healing.

I will discuss how law enforcement gets involved with the initial call of someone who is in crisis. Our Department has a process of investigation in a critical incident which includes requirements by state law for law enforcement to advise victims of their rights. I will also discuss how law enforcement contacts Victim Services to assist with the case and which cases that we would call Victim Services to assist with.

Copper Shores Victim Support Team serves crime victims and their families in Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga and Ontonagon Counties.  Our team will discuss where and how to reach out for help, what types of services are available through Copper Shores and other resources in our community, and will discuss the benefits of working with an advocate to help guide your journey to healing from the destruction of physical, mental, sexual and financial abuse.

More on Brayden Rachel, click here

One of the major issues and needs in our community is access to mental health services. From the ED aspect with someone in mental health crisis, I have the options of in-patient psychiatric admission (but the closest hospital is in Marquette, and then otherwise 4+hrs away), or I can send a patient home with the hopes that they get counseling and work with their PCP. Bigger cities have partial hospitalization programs and a better ‘in-between’ options.

The best way to stay healthy is preventative care - regular physicals, screening exams, exercise, and eating healthy. Regular exercise is important to mental health as well, along with developing your community of support - trusted family/friends to talk to, church, and professional resources when necessary.

I am excited to join in the Question & Answer session in the afternoon