Massage therapist Rob McCue gives massage to participant of conference. When women get a chance to socialize and learn about spiritual, physical, and financial health all in one day, it’s a recipe for success. Add in munchies and a free massage, and you can’t miss.

At least that’s what three Columbia business women were betting on when they planned the Saturday wellness seminar held in an office building on Forest Drive. The trio, Dr. Shelly Jones, a doctor of Chiropractics, Dr. Lisabeth Medlock, a psychologist and practicing life coach, and Coulter Roberson, a financial analyst, had the idea that during these stressful financial times it might be a good idea to present a seminar that helped women understand all three aspects of their emotional health.

“We’re focusing on women because women are the nurturers in our society,” Jones said. “Women are mainly the ones who care for the children, the aging parents, and their spouses. But women are notorious for forgetting to take care of themselves, which can result in all sorts of negative results.”

Dr. Lisabeth Medock, Coulter Roberson, and Dr. Shelly Jones lead conference for women. Jones said that while her expertise was in chiropractic health, that a lot of illnesses stemmed from financial and emotional pressures or malfunctions.

“I call it the airplane theory,” she said. “If you’re on a flight with your children or aging parents and the oxygen masks come down, you have to put yours on first before you can help the others. It’s the same way with our health. We can’t be any good to anyone if we ourselves are sick or somehow incapacitated.”

Medlock and Roberson echoed Jones’ sentiments.

“Women have to understand that while we are needed in so many areas, that only we can control our own lives,” Medlock said. “We’re only here for a finite time, and we have to decide what we do with that allotted time. We have to vow to accomplish our purpose while we’re here, but to do that we have to define that purpose.”

She said she tries to get her clients to set goals and truthfully look at themselves to see which parts of their lives need work.

“I want my clients to look to their futures and decide how they want it to be. I tell them to set immediate goals as well as short and long term goals. And it’s extremely important to have a plan as to how to reach those goals,” she said. “And after you have a concrete plan, you need at least one back–up plan as well. A person can take many paths to reach the same place. You can’t give up after one attempt.”

Roberson, the financial analysis, said that women typically take a back seat when it comes to finances, but women also typically live longer than men.

“As with anything else, we havea to plan our financial lives. We have to plan for our retirement, budget our present money, and educate ourselves on how to invest it, save it, and let it earn more money.”

It’s also important to know what your loved ones want to transpire in the event they can no longer choose for themselves, she said.

“Death is never a happy subject but it’s a necessary one,” she told the crowded room full of women. “When my mother almost died after a fall, she and I had had that talk a mere few days before she fell ill. I was so glad I knew her wishes. It’s so important to let people know what you want and to find out what your parents or spouse want.”

Before and after the seminar the women could wander around and mingle around the food table or get a free chair massage from licensed massage therapist, Rob McCue. Columbia businesses donated door prizes that ranged from a day at a spa to baked goods to dinners at restaurants. All three leaders donated time and office visits to the attendees, and the lines were long at each table to sign up.

May Peach, a Columbia resident, said when she heard about the seminar, she immediately knew she was going.

“It’s always good to be open to exploring ways to becoming a better person,” she said. “When you can learn something about maintaining your health, creating a better emotional space and how to best use your available finances, that’s quite a day,” she said.

“And on top of all that information, it was fun,” she said with a laugh. “I will definitely be at the next one and recommend it to my friends.”