By Peggy O'Farrell
The Cincinnati Enquirer

The Universal Sisters Health Pavilion and Day Spa offers women a day of pampering and information at the 15th Annual Midwest Regional Black Family Reunion Celebration Aug. 15 and 16 at Sawyer Point and Yeatman's Cove.

Spa services, giveaways and free health screenings will be available throughout the event.

Universal Sisters is Speaking of Women's Health's minority health initiative, focusing on heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, mental health and obesity.

Speakers at the Health Pavilion will be Becky Singleton, "Loving the Skin You're In at Every Age"; Chef Carmen Bazile, who will prepare and share healthful recipes; and DeAsa Nichols Brown, president of the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce, "Speaking to Men About Health."

Bethesda North and Good Samaritan hospitals will provide free diabetes screenings. Guidant will offer free healthy heart screenings. Emerge Salon and Day Spa will also be on site.

"As women, we often put the needs of others before our own," says Dianne Dunkelman, founder and CEO of Speaking of Women's Health. "We've got to be reminded to put ourselves at the top of our to-do lists and celebrate who we are. The Midwest Regional Black Family Reunion is a celebration of families. We're thrilled to offer a celebration of women as the heart and soul of the family."

Universal Sisters will also travel to the National Black Family Reunion in Washington, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, Atlanta and New York this year.

For more information, call 345-6587 or visit www.speakingofwomenshealth.com.