Series of talks aims to help raise awareness

Diane Stride specialises in food allergies and intolerances.

Women's health comes under the spotlight in a new series of talks.

Three leading health specialists have put their heads and expertise together for an event at Havelock North Community Centre tonight, from 7pm.

Topics range from diet and its effect on overall health, to hormonal imbalances and what to expect from menopause.

The driving force behind it all is dietitian Diane Stride, who hopes to wipe away misconceptions by offering palatable bites of information for people to take away.

"It has always been a dream of mine to get together some industry professionals to speak to women in this kind of forum," she said.

"So often we have clients who say they wish they had access to professionals to provide information relating to women's health issues."

Enlisting the help of high profile speakers Dr Ole Schmiedel and Dr Keith Harrison meant the Women's Health Series could cover a range of topics affecting all ages, particularly women 20 years and up.

Mrs Stride specialises in food allergies and intolerances. She will be speaking generally about healthy living and how specific medical conditions can be improved with dietary modification.

Dr Schmiedel is a medical specialist with a doctorate in diabetes and postgraduate training in endocrinology, who will cover the subject of hormones and their impact on weight and health.

He treats endocrine glands, hormone and metabolic disorders and has a passion for helping people with diabetes, weight and hormonal problems - something his presentation will focus on.

Gynaecologist/obstetrician Dr Harrison will speak about menopause - what's normal, when to seek professional help for your symptoms as well as latest research findings on hormone replacement therapy, to help give women a better understanding.

Mrs Stride hoped to run more seminars with a men's equivalent of the series on the cards. She also considered a talk on supplements, and early detection of skin cancer.

Women attending the talk are asked to fill out a form to determine what they would like to hear about in future.

"There's nothing that I know of like this in Hawke's Bay, we get speakers from outside the region but usually the event is just for them, this is making use of specialist knowledge we have here."

All the speakers are donating their time free of charge with proceeds going directly to Hawke's Bay's Child Cancer Foundation.

The inaugural event will not only bring a greater awareness about health but help children and their families on the cancer journey.

"It's just about sold out, it's the first time it has been held in Hawke's Bay and it's our appeal month so that is the big thing for us getting those proceeds," business development manager for the Child Cancer Foundation Vicky Rope said.

There are goodie bags and spot prizes on the night. Bring cash for a raffle featuring earrings worth $400 designed and donated by Bruce Jackson of Unio Goldsmiths. Doors open at 6.45pm, speakers from 7pm.

-Tickets are $25 available from Hastings and Havelock North i-SITES and Monique Therese Jewellers in Havelock North.