First Live Web Chat by New Jersey's Princeton HealthCare System Focuses on Women's Health

PRINCETON, N.J., Sept. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Princeton HealthCare System (PHCS) (www.princetonhcs.org) will conduct its first live web chat on Monday, October 4, when it hosts a discussion about women's pelvic floor disorders and treatment options.

The free program begins at 7 p.m. and can be joined by going to the PHCS USTREAM channel at www.ustream.tv/channel/princetonhealth.

"Social media has enormous potential for sharing information about health issues," said Carol Norris, PHCS vice president for Marketing and Public Affairs for the New Jersey system, which operates University Medical Center at Princeton.  "We anticipate that events like these will become another important tool in our ongoing community education and outreach efforts."

More than a third of women are affected by urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, pelvic floor prolapse and other conditions known as pelvic floor disorders.  There have also been significant advances in treatment in recent years ranging from new drug therapies to robotic surgery techniques that are helping alleviate these problems for many women.

During the web chat, Heather van Raalte, MD, a fellowship-trained urogynecologist on the PHCS medical staff, will discuss pelvic floor disorders and treatment options, and also take questions from the online audience.

PHCS has a robust lineup of health education programs addressing topics of interest to women, men, seniors, children, adolescents and diverse populations. While many topics might have made for an interesting web chat, Norris said this one was chosen in part due to its sensitive nature, and the ability of participants to remain anonymous if they wish.

"Some health issues are more sensitive than others, and people may be hesitant to attend a traditional lecture and ask questions," said Norris.  "One of the nice things about this program is its ability to let participants ask questions anonymously, from the privacy and comfort of their home."

The web chat program can be accessed through either a PC or Mac computer. Participants will need a broadband internet connection and an Adobe Flash Player installed, available free online.

While pre-registration is not required, those who do pre-register will be eligible for one of several gift cards to be awarded immediately following the program.  Pre-registration is available through www.princetonhcs.org/calendar or by calling (609) 897-8980.

SOURCE Princeton HealthCare System