Little Rock, Arkansas – The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is once again offering its highly regarded Girlology session on September 22, aimed at helping young girls navigate the challenges of puberty with increased confidence. This engaging event, designed for girls aged 8 to 14 along with their parents or caregivers, will take place from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. in the spacious 12th-floor auditorium of the Jackson T. Stephens Spine & Neurosciences Institute.
Girlology provides a comprehensive 2.5-hour course that covers a wide range of topics essential to understanding puberty. These include growth and development, bra shopping, personal hygiene, nutrition, menstruation, emotional management, and internet safety. The session not only educates but also fosters respect for oneself and others, helping attendees manage their changing bodies and emotions effectively.
Leading the session are seasoned UAMS physicians from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The team includes Dr. Nirvana Manning, department chair and professor; Dr. Laura Hollenbach, associate professor; and Dr. Kathryn Stambough, assistant professor specializing in Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. Dr. Stambough, who also sees patients at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, brings valuable expertise to the discussions.
Dr. Manning emphasized the importance of such educational sessions, stating, “Discussions about puberty can be very daunting for parents and children, so this program is designed to make it easy to start these important conversations.” She further highlighted the goal of Girlology®: “to create a safe space for families where physicians provide medically accurate information, create a shared experience, and keep the lines of communication open in the future.”
The session costs $30, though scholarships are available to ensure that no one is excluded due to financial constraints. This initiative is part of UAMS’s commitment to community health education and is reflective of its dedication to supporting families during these critical developmental years.
Those interested in participating in this beneficial program can register or find more information at uams.health/girlology.