Bikur Cholim’s Women’s Health and Wellness Expo Nov. 18 | Boomer

Bikur Cholim of Cleveland will host its second annual Women’s Health and Wellness Expo on Nov. 18 at Green Road Synagogue in Beachwood, offering an evening of education, socializing and wellness resources.

“Most people don’t get much of an opportunity to interact on a social level with their caregiver,” Rabbi Alan Joseph, executive director of Bikur Cholim of Cleveland, told the Cleveland Jewish News on Nov. 5. “So this is a nice opportunity …to be able to meet them casually and create a relationship without the strain of a doctor’s office.”

Doors will open at 5:45 p.m., allowing attendees to explore a variety of vendors and enjoy a food court before lectures begin at 6:15 p.m.

The event will feature six presentations on topics relevant to women’s health across all ages, including self-care during pregnancy, menopause and post-menopause, and general health topics such as skincare and healthy eating. Joseph said a new addition to the event from last year is the last lecture will be a group from University Hospitals demonstrating CPR in a hands-on course. He said this will be a more extended presentation than the others.

“They’re not going to get a certificate in the end, but they’re going to learn how to do hands-on CPR,” Joseph said. “I’m excited to share that with the community.”

Other lecture speakers include Dr. Rachel Weinerman, who is an attending physician of division of reproductive endocrinology and infertility at University Hospitals MacDonald Women’s Hospital in Cleveland and clinical assistant professor in the department of reproductive biology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland; Nadine Adelson Bendycki, a patient advocate and former director of market research and consumer insights at University Hospitals of Cleveland; Dr. Robert Haber of Haber Dermatology, Inc., in Beachwood, a pediatrician and clinical professor in the departments of dermatology and pediatrics at CWRU School of Medicine; Dr. Justin Lappen, a section head of maternal fetal medicine in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Cleveland Clinic and assistant professor of the department of reproductive biology at CWRU School of Medicine; and Gila Guzman, a certified integrative nutrition health coach and director at Main Asset Health LLC in New York City. Joseph said the lineup was selected based on feedback gathered from last year’s attendees through surveys, with topics chosen to address local women’s health needs and interests.

“We see so many different requests and needs that come up, and we want people to be aware that we’re here to help advocate, help people find doctors (and) help people access care quicker,” he said.

The Women’s Health and Wellness Expo is part of Bikur Cholim’s women’s health division, a recent initiative developed to support the unique health care needs of Jewish women. According to its website, the division offers advocacy and emotional support on issues such as infertility, pregnancy and childbirth, miscarriage or pregnancy loss, menopause and gynecological health. Services include confidential advocacy and referral services, free medical equipment loans, including breast pumps, emotional and wellness support, and education on critical health topics, according to is website.

Bikur Cholim also provides 24/7 support and volunteer assistance with household chores and childcare as needed.

“As a company, we want people to become more familiar with our services because we have a lot of services that make this an opportunity for people to learn about the services we offer and also the people who, the staff that we have …” Joseph said.

Registration for the event is free, with a suggested donation of $18 per person, payable at the door. The lectures will be held in separate rooms, allowing attendees to select the topics that interest them most.