The GFWC/TFWC Pierian Club met recently in the home of Ruth Martin with co-hostesses Bobbie Joseph and Cindy Abel.

President Susan Browder called the meeting to order, followed by Amy Davis, who introduced the speaker, Jeananne Elkins.

Mrs. Elkins is a physical therapist. She is working on her Ph.D. in public health at Texas A&M Health Sciences Center. She is a local business owner, a wife, a mother and a local children’s advocate.

Mrs. Elkins relayed the 10 leading causes of death in women, including the number-one cause: heart disease. Its symptoms are usually overlooked and are different from men’s symptoms, she said.

Cancer is second on the list, followed by stroke, which causes more than 100,000 deaths every year. The window for using clotbusting drugs has recently been increased to 4 1/2 hours, which means getting to a hospital quickly after stroke greatly increases chances for survival.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is fourth on the list, followed by varying types of dementia.

Exercising the brain by reading, doing puzzles, altering one’s daily routine and eating healthy foods can help keep the brain healthy, Mrs. Elkins said.

The sixth-leading cause of death is diabetes. Controlling the disease is imperative because it also increases the risk of stroke or heart attack.

Accidents cause the next-highest number of deaths, said the physical therapist. She noted that those who take blood thinners are at increased risk of death after a fall.

“There is a great risk of bleeding in the brain should a head injury occur while on blood thinners.”

Flu and pneumonia rank next, followed by colon cancer.

Mrs. Elkins demonstrated several exercises she said will help strengthen the legs and help with balance.

After a brief business meeting, members were reminded the next meeting is Tuesday at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church’s parish hall.

Jane McMillin will share her knowledge of art history with a program on love and art. Sue Faulkner will be co-hostess.