Phelps Memorial Health Center hosted its annual Positively Pink: Women’s Health Series on October 8, 2025 at the Holdrege County Club. The evening event focused on education, awareness, and empowerment in women’s health.
The event featured a reception with appetizers, refreshing mocktails, and the opportunity for guests to build their own floral bouquets. Phelps Memorial teammates hosted interactive health stations on topics including nutrition, diabetes education, breast cancer prevention, pelvic floor therapy, lymphedema, cardiovascular health, cardiac rehab, sleep apnea, and aesthetics.
Rachel Dallmann, Chief Ancillary Officer, welcomed guests and set the tone for the evening with a message that resonated throughout the program.
“As women, we often spend much of our time caring for others - our families, our friends, and our communities,” Dallmann said. “But evenings like this remind us how important it is to also pause, learn, and invest in our own health. When we take care of ourselves, we’re better able to take care of those we love.”
Featured speakers included Katie Thelen, DO, Family Medical Specialties, Lacey Becker, RD, CDCES, and Stacey VanBoening, APRN, from oncology services. Their presentations helped inform attendees about key health issues specific to women, encouraging proactive health management.
Dr. Katie Thelen, DO, spoke on “Thriving As You Age: What Every Woman Should Know.” She began with honesty and humor, admitting that when preparing her remarks, she turned to her mother for advice. “I asked her what I should include about menopause,” she said with a smile. “She said, ‘I don’t know, it’s not that bad. Just get through it!’” The audience laughed, and Dr. Thelen admitted that didn’t exactly help her prepare.
She explained that menopause, defined as the absence of menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months, marks the natural end of a woman’s reproductive years.
Though a normal transition, it can bring symptoms like hot flashes, mood changes, and sleep disturbances. Adding levity, Dr. Thelen shared that an estimated 2.93 million women in the U.S. are having a hot flash at any given moment - a statistic that drew laughter and sympathetic fanning from the room.
Dr. Thelen also addressed one of the most frequently discussed topics in women’s midlife health: hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Over the years, HRT has swung on the pendulum between being viewed as highly beneficial and potentially risky. Early studies suggested it could protect against heart disease and other conditions, but later research including the large Women’s Health Initiative, found it may increase the risk of breast cancer, stroke, and blood clots. Today, many experts agree that HRT can be very helpful for relieving menopausal symptoms and protecting bone health, especially for women under 60 or within 10 years of menopause.
Dr. Thelen explained. “It’s not right for everyone. It’s an option if you are the right candidate.” She added, “HRT decisions should always be individualized. It’s important to talk with your primary care provider about your personal health history and family risks to decide what’s best for you.”
She concluded by encouraging women to view menopause as a stage of life that deserves understanding, not avoidance.
Lacey Becker, RD, CDCES, shared “Hot Topics in Nutrition,” focusing on the essential role nutrition plays in supporting women’s health at every age.
Becker explained that women face unique nutritional challenges from hormonal changes and pregnancy to menopause and aging. These transitions can affect metabolism, digestion, and energy levels.
“Nutrition can either support those changes or magnify their effects,” she said.
Her presentation centered on the importance of gut health. Becker explained that a healthy gut supports four key systems including hormonal balance, metabolism, immune function and mood and mental health.
“The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in our immune system, metabolism, and mental health,” Becker said. “When we nourish it with balanced, whole foods, we help support every other system in our body.”
She shared that modern life often disrupts gut health from processed foods and chronic stress to lack of sleep and overuse of antibiotics. She encouraged small, realistic steps and shared practical ways to support a balanced gut microbiome.
Becker encouraged women to focus on consistency rather than perfection. “Focusing on foods as close to nature as possible is one of the simplest ways to improve health and energy,” she said. “Progress looks different for everyone. What matters most is building habits that help you feel your best.”
The evening concluded with Stacey VanBoening, APRN, presenting “Informed and Empowered: What, Why, and When of Breast Imaging.”
VanBoening addressed the growing volume of information about breast cancer screening, particularly on social media, and helped clarify when and how different imaging methods are used.
“The current recommendation is for women to begin annual mammograms at age 40,” she explained. “Mammograms remain our best tool for catching breast cancers early.”
VanBoening noted that while ultrasound has become more popular, especially as a more comfortable option, it should be used in conjunction with, not instead of, a mammogram.
“Ultrasound does an excellent job, especially in dense breast tissue, at distinguishing between a solid lesion and a cyst,” she said. “But where it falls short is identifying small calcifications or early cancers that haven’t yet invaded tissue. Mammograms can detect those changes sometimes 18 months to four years earlier.”
Detecting and removing abnormalities while they are still in a precancerous stage, she explained, can significantly reduce the risk of developing invasive or metastatic disease. She noted that mammograms and ultrasounds are extremely effective when used together. They complement each other and give us the most complete picture of breast health.
VanBoening shared that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, a statistic that underscores the need for proactive screening. In her work with Phelps Memorial’s Oncology Department, she has the privilege of walking alongside women during their breast cancer journeys witnessing both the challenges and the power of early detection.
“If it’s been more than a year since your last mammogram,” she said, “I strongly encourage you to call your provider and get it scheduled. Detecting breast cancer early is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk of developing a lifelong or life-threatening disease.”
The Positively Pink Women’s Health Series once again brought together women from across the community to learn, share, and celebrate wellness. Through expert presentations and meaningful conversation, the evening reinforced one central message: proactive care is the foundation of lifelong health.
As Rachel Dallmann concluded, “May you leave tonight feeling informed, inspired, and empowered in your health journey.”
Phelps Memorial Health Center remains dedicated to supporting women at every stage of life, providing compassionate care, educational opportunities, and trusted resources to help each woman live stronger, healthier, and more confidently.
