Wednesday, February 10, was recognized across the nation as Pink Day. Seven years ago, Pink Day was piloted by Sharsheret, creating yet another opportunity to educate and support women around the world.
In honor of Pink Day, Sharsheret teamed up with Jewish Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy and Volunteer Center and The Graf Center for Integrative Medicine at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, for Think Pink, an evening of heath and wellness. The program included a panel of health and wellness professionals, stress-busting yoga, chair massages and healthy snacks. Participants sampled various types of essential oils by Doterra that can be diffused or inhaled offering a variety of health benefits including immunity support, muscle relaxation and anxiety relief. Gilly’s organic skin care products were also on hand to sample and purchase. Fountains, soft background music and citrus aromatherapy wafting through the air certainly created a Zen-like atmosphere. “It’s just a feel-good kind of night,” remarked Shelley Gershon, one of the evening’s event chairs.
The Think Pink event was collaboratively run by Women’s Philanthropy and the Volunteer Center of the Jewish Federation. Beth Figman, director of volunteer services at Jewish Federation, explained, “Like Sharsheret, Jewish Federation is a place where Jewish women can feel the value of a shared sisterhood.” Barbara Joyce, Director of Women’s Philanthropy, said, “We’re proud to be supportive of Sharsheret and we’re thrilled to be able to partner with them on Pink Day. Jewish Federation’s women, through its Women’s Philanthropy, have long played energetic and forward-looking roles in our community. Whether it’s supporting an extraordinary program like Think Pink or so many others, the women of Women’s Philanthropy are constantly working to find more and more ways to improve the lives of individuals living here in northern New Jersey, and those in Israel and Jewish communities around the world.”
Who better to host this event than The Graf Center for Integrative Medicine. The center, made possible by the generosity of Jennifer and David Graf, opened in October. The goal of the center is to combine traditional medicine with holistic modalities such as massage, acupuncture and stress management. “There are amazing benefits when you combine holistic alternatives to evidence-based medicine in a hospital setting,” explains Dr. Despina Psillides, director of The Graf Center. If you are dealing with an illness, The Graf Center can work in conjunction with a physician to create the best treatment plan available, or if you are just health minded, you can benefit from the many services offered there.
Donna Neuhaus, a certified holistic health coach and nutrition consultant, explained the importance of creating balance in one’s life. “We are all different people and what works for one person might not work for another. The concept of bio individuality is critical to each person in order to establish the balance your body needs.” In a confusing world of quinoa and kale, a healthy path can be tricky to navigate. Donna works with clients to help them create a happy, healthy life in a way that is flexible, fun and rewarding. Donna stressed that a health coach does not replace your general physician but rather offers the necessary support to ensure a healthy and happy lifestyle.
Lastly, participants heard from Melissa K. Rosen, Sharsheret’s director of national outreach. Melissa oversees outreach efforts throughout the country, connecting as many as possible to the support and resources of Sharsheret. Herself a breast cancer survivor, Melissa cannot stress the importance of awareness enough. “This event is the perfect illustration of being proactive of your health. If your non-medical needs are being met, your medical situation will improve,” explained Melissa. “In order to mitigate your risks, it is crucial to educate yourself, know your family history and focus on your wellness plan.”
No Jewish event would be complete without some nosh (even the healthy kind). The evening culminated with some delicious snacks and a variety of refreshing smoothies freshly made with all natural ingredients. Attendees left with some takeaway items appropriately packaged in a little pink bag.
Think Pink was a perfect opportunity for these three collaborators to unite in their mission to achieve the same goal—advocating and supporting women’s health and wellness. It is critical for women to recognize what it means to take care of themselves and create balance in their lives. Through the support and services of Jewish Federation, Sharsheret and The Graf Center, that goal can become a reality.
By Andrea Nissel
