Holy Name Medical Center is launching its inaugural Women’s Health Symposium on October 19, 2025, in Englewood Cliffs, offering a comprehensive and free educational experience for women across Bergen County and beyond. The event is part of Holy Name’s 100th anniversary celebration and coincides with the centennial of its Sister Claire Tynan School of Nursing, emphasizing the institution’s longstanding commitment to community health and wellness.
Organized by Dr. Sharyn Lewin, director of Holy Name’s Division of Gynecologic Oncology, the symposium aims to provide women with practical tools, strategies, and knowledge to address some of the most pressing health concerns today. Attendees will gain insights into preventative care, disease management, and lifestyle strategies that support long-term wellbeing.
The day begins at 9 a.m. with a guided meditation session to promote mindfulness, followed by a one-mile nature walk around the campus to encourage physical activity and connection with the outdoors. Throughout the morning and afternoon, breakout sessions will cover a wide array of topics, including menopause, fibroids, gut health, bone density, colorectal health, breast cancer, and gynecologic cancers. Dr. Melanie Marin, director of Mount Sinai Health System’s Menopause Program and a certified menopause practitioner, will deliver the keynote address, offering expert guidance on managing the physical and emotional changes associated with menopause.
Holy Name specialists will also host a lunch-and-learn panel focusing on the top health priorities for women in 2025. Topics include heart health, stroke prevention, cancer care, respiratory diseases, and Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, an exhibition area will allow attendees to explore resources and services that support health and wellness in everyday life. The symposium concludes with an outdoor yoga session at 3:15 p.m., followed by refreshments, providing participants with a holistic approach to self-care.
Dr. Lewin emphasizes that initiatives like this symposium are designed to empower women through education, prevention, and awareness. “This is a day to focus on your health, to invest in your wellbeing,” Lewin said. “Many women prioritize others over themselves, and outreach programs like this one bridge the gap between medical knowledge and practical health action.” She also highlighted the importance of early detection in treating serious conditions such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, noting that preventative measures like exercise, healthy eating, weight management, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol can significantly reduce risks.
The symposium reflects Holy Name Medical Center’s broader mission to promote accessible, equitable, and person-centered care. By offering this free, community-focused event, the hospital provides women with opportunities to engage with healthcare professionals, gain valuable information, and build networks of support while addressing systemic barriers to care.
Women interested in attending the Holy Name Women’s Health Symposium in Englewood Cliffs can register and find more details by visiting Explore New Jersey Health & Wellness. The event represents an important step toward fostering a culture of preventative health, education, and empowerment for women in New Jersey.
