Women gathered earlier this month for Camp WOW (Women of Wellness), an evening of education, connection and celebration hosted by Stillwater Medical Foundation’s Women of Wellness. The members-only event brought women together for conversations about health and wellness, featuring three medical experts who shared practical insights on weight management, bone health and menopause.
Throughout the evening, one message stood out: Women deserve to understand their bodies, ask questions and feel empowered to make informed decisions about their health.
Dr. Madison Andrews, Dr. J. Jordan Stivers and Dr. Sara Metcalf each offered guidance on healthconcerns that can change throughout a woman’s life, encouraging attendees to look beyond common misconceptions and have meaningful conversations with their health care providers.
Andrews discussed weight management and the many factors that influence a woman’s weight and overall health. Rather than viewing weight as a reflection of personal discipline, she encouraged women to consider the biological and medical factors that may contribute to changes in their bodies.
“Weight management is a health conversation, not a character assessment,” Andrews said.
She also emphasized that healthy aging should focus on strength and long-term well-being, not simply a number on the scale.
“The goal for healthy aging is strong, not skinny,” Andrews said.
Preserving muscle is an important part of that approach, particularly as women age. Andrews encouraged women to pay attention when their bodies change and the strategies that once worked no longer seem effective.
“If your body is changing and what used to work no longer works, it is worth asking why,” Andrews said.
The conversation continued with Stivers, who focused on bone health and the steps women can take to protect their bones as they age. While walking and other physical activities are beneficial, Stivers explained that maintaining strong bones requires more than simply staying active.
“Your bones need more than a daily walk,” Stivers said.
Resistance exercises, impact activities and proper nutrition all play a role in supporting bone strength. Stivers encouraged women to be proactive rather than waiting for a fracture or other warning sign to prompt a conversation about their bone health.
“Do not wait for a broken bone to start thinking about bone health,” Stivers said.
Understanding personal risk factors is another important step toward prevention. By talking with a provider and learning about their individual risks, women can make more informed decisions about protecting their long-term health.
“You cannot manage a risk you do not know exists,” Stivers said.
Metcalf addressed menopause, highlighting how hormonal changes can affect far more than a woman’s menstrual cycle or the hot flashes commonly associated with this stage of life. Menopause can influence multiple aspects of health, and symptoms may sometimes be dismissed as ordinary aging or stress.
“Menopause is about far more than hot flashes,” Metcalf said.
Metcalf encouraged women to seek individualized guidance, particularly when considering hormone therapy and other options for managing symptoms. She also noted that a single laboratory test may not provide a complete picture of perimenopause, making open communication with a health care provider especially important.
“Women deserve an individualized conversation about hormone therapy, not a decision based on fear or outdated information,” Metcalf said.
Her message was one of advocacy and reassurance: Women should feel comfortable asking questions, exploring their options and seeking a provider who can help them understand what is appropriate for their individual needs.
“Even if you are years past menopause, it is not too late to ask questions,” Metcalf said.
In addition to the educational sessions, Camp WOW celebrated a woman whose leadership has made a lasting difference in the community. Denise Webber, Stillwater Medical CEO, received the 2026 Trailblazer Award for her dedication to advancing women’s health.
“The Trailblazer award represents a member who is a fearless leader and passionate about women’s health and makes a difference in that space. Our committee was unanimous in selecting Denise Webber as the 2026 recipient. The award honors Denise’s pioneering leadership and dedication to advancing women’s health,” said Michal Shaw, vice president of Foundation and Community Outreach.
Webber expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the importance of continued advocacy and research focused on women’s health.
“I am beyond touched by this award. This event was about having honest conversations with each other. It breaks my heart that research has been primarily focused on men, rather than men and women. Speak up. Talk to each other. To the Women of Wellness, thank you for all you do for our community,” Webber said.
For Rachel Leslie, director of Foundation and Campaign Marketing, Camp WOW represents the heart of the Women of Wellness mission: helping women become advocates for their own health while building a community that encourages others to do the same.
“Women of Wellness is about empowering women to become advocates for their own health and wellness, and to encourage the women around them to do the same. Camp WOW gives us a chance each year to bring that mission to life, to learn, be inspired and strengthen the connections that make this group so powerful. Our 175 members represent more than $3.5 million in lifetime giving to Stillwater Medical, but what they are building together goes far beyond a number,” Leslie said.
Women of Wellness members support Stillwater Medical while connecting with others who share a commitment to women’s health and community well-being. Those interested in becoming part of Women of Wellness can learn more about membership opportunities through the Stillwater Medical Foundation’s website at smc-foundation.org/give/women-of-wellness.