Sharon Baker, BSN, MN, CWHNIP, has menopause on her mind. But the only hot flashes she experiences are those used to inspire women and other health care practitioners to consider women's concerns more seriously.

As founder of the Women's Information Network Inc., Baker, an advanced nurse practitioner, has run health care programming for perimenopausal women for more than 10 years. Her workshops and conferences feature informative sessions and newsletters on menopause, osteoporosis, sexual function and weight management. Her programs have been held in conjunction with the Georgia Commission on Women and the Georgia Department of Public Health, among others.

"Ten years ago, women were still hesitant to see themselves as a partner in their health [care]," Baker said. "Today, women are better patients because they are better informed.

"WIN was formed to remind women of their unique physical, emotional, developmental and spiritual needs. It was organized to provide information in a nurturing, accepting environment."

A member of the faculty at the WellStar School of Nursing at Kennesaw State University, Baker is cosponsoring a conference April 17 on practical answers to common questions about menopause. The program, which will be held at the Emory University School of Nursing auditorium, is supported by an educational grant from Procter & Gamble.

Perimenopausal women have a number of common clinical symptoms, including insomnia, night sweats, fatigue, mood swings and decreased sexual desire.

"Many changes accompany midlife — physical, emotional, family and social," Baker said. "Women typically are busy with multiple roles and know the needs of everyone but themselves."

"Getting enough exercise, sleep and good nutrition — as well as age-appropriate screenings — are necessary to identify potential problems that are asymptomatic while they are in the early stages of development," she added.

The conference will cover practical strategies for addressing these symptoms, as well as updates on traditional and non-traditional therapies. During the first session of the conference, Baker will present perimenopausal symptoms and test results to a panel of menopause experts, much as a patient would present to a practitioner in a typical office setting. Then, the specialists will respond to her "complaints and concerns" with discussion of the latest research and recommended options for treatment and follow up.

The conference also will include an update on bone responses to current osteoporosis treatments, separating fact from fiction on natural alternative remedies for menopausal symptoms, by Dr. Edmund Kim; normal sexual function and common sexual problems at menopause by Sally Lehr, Ph.D., RN, CS, FAACS; a humorous look at menopause and coping by Dr. Neil Shulman, associate professor at the Emory School of Medicine; and the development of a midlife plan, presented by Baker.

The conference is $30, and will cover the cost of the book, "A Women's Guide to Perimenopause, Menopause and Beyond," written by Shulman and Kim. The event has been approved for 3.6 CEUs.

For information or to register for the event, contact the office of continuing medical education at Emory University at 888-727-5696 or contact Baker at 706-234-8483.

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