Pierce County residents seeking information on cancer prevention have a new resource available, thanks to a partnership between Pierce County Human Services and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. They're offering a series of free educational seminars headed by Dr. Suzanne McMurry, an integrative oncologist, who will be sharing her knowledge on ways to prevent cancer through nutrition, exercise, and stress management techniques. According to Pierce County's announcement, these seminars are information-only and don't require an RSVP.
Spanning several months, the series will kick off on June 5 at Tacoma's Resurrection Lutheran Church and continue through November 13, where the final seminar is set for Lakewood Senior Activity Center. Offering her extensive expertise in evidence-supported, integrative cancer care, Dr. McMurry aims to empower attendees with the latest insights on early detection and practical lifestyle strategies, hoping to improve community well-being by calling attention to environmental factors and other cancer risk influencers.
"We're thrilled to partner with VMFH to bring this valuable health education directly into the community," Aaron Van Valkenburg, Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources manager, told Pierce County. The series reflects the county's commitment to improving residents' well-being through accessible education. Community members have the opportunity to engage with Dr. McMurry across the county's diverse locales, with seminars planned for Pierce County Human Services and the Gig Harbor Senior Center, among other venues.
The initiative by the county and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health is part of a broader effort to enhance holistic health awareness within the community. Each seminar lasts approximately an hour and encourages individuals to adopt potentially life-saving habits and practices. Everyone is welcome to attend, with these free sessions aimed at providing knowledge that could lead to actionable changes in residents' daily lives.
For those interested in attending, additional details can be obtained by contacting the Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center. With no prior sign-up necessary, the organizers hope to encourage a large turnout, thereby maximizing the benefit these seminars might provide to public health. According to their site, more information is available by calling 253-798-4600 or 800-562-0332.
