WOMANCARE CONFERENCE: OLYMPIC DIVER WILL SPEAK HERE SATURDAY

Olympic springboard diver Wendy Lucero will be among featured speakers at Saturday's Womancare Conference, to be held at the University Center.

She will speak with her mother, Shirley Lucero, about Shirley's breast cancer at the conference luncheon.

Wendy was not originally scheduled to accompany her mother, but has taken a break from her training schedule to come, said Chris Byrd, conference co-chairman and director of education at St. Francis.

Byrd said, "We anticipate between 300 and 350 people will attend.

"The overall goal of the conference is to promote the health of women. We take a broad definition of health," she said.

Shirley Lucero was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987. She underwent a radical mastectomy and chemotherapy and recovered in time to witness her daughter compete in 1988 Olympic spring-board competition. Lucero's presentation is sponsored by the American Cancer Society's Celebrities Against Cancer program.

Wendy Lucero is currently ranked first in the United States in springboard diving. She is training for the 1992 Olympics and has already qualified for the Olympic trials.

"Wendy will talk about how her mother's illness affected her and how they helped each other through it," Byrd said.

The other keynote speaker at the conference is Mamie McCullough, an author and motivational speaker. She has written several books, including "Get it Together and Remember Where You Put it."

"McCullough began her work with teachers and now addresses the general public," said Byrd. "Her message is that you can do anything you set your mind to do."

Byrd said women will attend from throughout Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois.

"Retired women and career women, homemakers and some college students will attend," she said. "We try to appeal to women of all ages."

In addition to the keynote speakers, the conference also features several mini-seminars on topics such as "How to make a fashion statement without breaking your budget," "With every beat of your heart," "Coping and caring dealing with aging parents," "Decorating on a budget," "Shout, pout or talk it out," and "Enriching your life with humor."

Exhibits and displays during the conference will spotlight resources, services and products of interest to women. Free health screenings available throughout the day will include blood pressure, glaucoma, body fat composition, blood sugar and hearing. Cholesterol screenings will be available for a $4 fee.

"We try to make the conference a learning experience," Byrd said. "But there is a real benefit to just spending a day with friends and taking some time out for yourself."

Byrd said another highlight of the conference is a program by Susan Johnson with the Institute for Aerobics Research.

"She will do a session called pep up your life, and will do a wrap-up energizer, something to energize us on the way out."

Those interested in attending the Saturday conference may call 339-6209 to register. Individuals may also register at the door.

An optional "Pamper Yourself Night" is slated tonight at the Cape Girardeau Holiday Inn.

A variety of activities are planned tonight including therapeutic massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, eyebrow arch and waxing and mini-facial massages. There will be complimentary color and hair styling consultations and special Pamper Yourself rates on sculptured nails an other features.

Several mini-seminars will be available during the Pamper Yourself night including "Pack to travel," presented by Hartfords, "How to make a fashion statement without breaking your budget," presented by Beauty Control Cosmetic Image Consultants, and "The eyes have it," offered by the JCPenney Optical Department.