BJW BOOK CLUB HOSTED AN EMPOWERING HEALTH AND WELLNESS EVENT AT THE BJCC
Forest Hills, New York—On Tuesday, October 27, 2026, the Bukharian Jewish Community Center hosted an engaging and educational Women’s Health & Wellness Evening, organized by the BJW Women’s Book Club. The event brought women together for meaningful conversations about prevention, early intervention, and taking responsibility for their health.
The evening was organized and moderated by Elana Yuabov, a Bloomberg professional, community volunteer, and one of the driving forces behind the BJW Women’s Book Club.
In her opening remarks, Yuabov reminded participants that women are often the “chief executive officers” of their families — managing households, caring for children and parents, supporting loved ones, and juggling countless responsibilities. Yet in caring for everyone else, women sometimes neglect their own well-being.
Her message was simple but powerful: Women have a responsibility to care for themselves so they can continue caring for others. Prioritizing personal health is not selfish; it is essential. The message set the tone for an evening centered on knowledge, prevention, and empowerment.
RECOGNIZING ALLERGIES COULD SAVE A LIFE
Dr. Olga Kagan, PhD, RN, delivered an eye-opening presentation on recognizing and responding to food allergic emergencies. She explained that food allergies can develop unexpectedly, including later in adulthood, even in individuals who previously tolerated certain foods. She also highlighted the striking statistic that approximately one in thirteen American children has a food allergy.
Her most important takeaway: Recognizing the symptoms of a severe allergic reaction and knowing how to respond promptly could save someone’s life. The discussion reinforced the importance of awareness, preparedness, and taking allergic reactions seriously.
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY BEFORE IT SCREAMS
Elena Levy, PA-C, introduced participants to a functional approach to health, encouraging women to become more attentive to their bodies’ signals and to address concerns early.
“LISTEN TO THE WHISPERS OF YOUR BODY BEFORE THEY TURN INTO SCREAMS.”
She encouraged participants to recognize warning signs, explore potential underlying causes of symptoms with healthcare professionals, and take a proactive rather than reactive approach to their well-being.
STRONG BONES, STRONGER FUTURES
Dr. Julie Shalom, PharmD, discussed the foundations of bone health and practical ways to maintain strength, mobility, and independence as women age. She emphasized regular exercise, including strength training and weight-bearing activities, combined with proper nutrition to support healthy bones.
She also highlighted early risk assessment, appropriate bone-density testing, and preventive measures that can identify concerns before fractures or significant bone loss occur. Her message reminded participants that investing in bone health today can improve quality of life for years to come.
BLADDER HEALTH: BREAKING THE SILENCE
Dr. Diana Sionov, DPT, a physical therapist with more than 28 years of clinical experience, addressed bladder health and urinary incontinence — concerns that many women experience but may hesitate to discuss openly.
She shared practical, non-invasive strategies, including bladder training, breathing techniques, and behavioral interventions. Her presentation underscored that many bladder-related concerns can be improved with education, appropriate exercises, and professional guidance; women need not simply accept these symptoms as an inevitable part of aging.
BEYOND BOOKS: BUILDING A COMMUNITY OF LEARNING
Throughout the evening, Elana Yuabov guided the presentations and facilitated an interactive discussion, encouraging participants to ask questions and learn directly from the healthcare professionals.
Yuabov has played a leading role in developing the BJW Women’s Book Club over the past four years, helping bring women together through literature, educational programs, and community initiatives. What began as a shared love of reading has grown into a welcoming community where women build friendships, exchange ideas, learn from experts, and inspire one another.
The Women’s Health & Wellness Evening exemplified this mission, demonstrating that lifelong learning extends far beyond the pages of a book.
GRATITUDE TO OUR SPEAKERS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS
The organizers extend heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Olga Kagan, Elena Levy, Dr. Julie Shalom, and Dr. Diana Sionov for generously volunteering their time and making important health information accessible to the community.
Special gratitude goes to Iosif Khaimov, Director of the Bukharian Jewish Community Center, for his continued support and hospitality, and to Alla Levi for recording the evening and helping extend its educational impact beyond those in attendance.
The full event recording is now available on YouTube, allowing more women to benefit from these presentations and discussions.
The evening concluded with a reminder: Education empowers individuals, prevention protects families, and meaningful community connections make us all stronger.
When women invest in their own health, they are not only caring for themselves — they are strengthening their families and the entire community.