CINCINNATI — A smorgasbord of programs to celebrate Women’s Health Week will help area residents breathe a sigh of relief.

Stress management techniques are among the many educational programs being provided for free by TriHealth in Cincinnati during the week of May 8-14. Other activities include a series of health lectures, health screenings and interactive events.

The only thing not free are mammogram tests, said Lisa Owendoff, a media relations manager for TriHealth.

“We kind of tried to make a variety of offerings throughout the week to address a whole bunch of women’s health issues. Just about every woman can find something she wants to learn about to improve her health,” she said.

A stress management mini-health fair will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 11. Patrick Welage, a certified laughter yoga teacher, will be teaching a technique called laughter yoga.

“Basically, this is a new form of exercise. It’s based on the idea that anyone can laugh for no reason,” he said.

Welage said the class involves some gentle stretching and breathing and rhythmic clapping, vocal and yoga exercises, and laughter meditation.

The class is designed to “put people in touch with the power of laughter with the many benefits that come from laughing. Physical, mental, emotional and spiritual benefits. Physical benefits are reducing stress more than anything,” he said.

Another program being offered is called “Diet and Life Cycle Changes” from noon to 1 p.m. and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. May 13.

“As women go through their life cycles, obviously, their nutritional needs change,” said Kathy Haugen, a dietician with TriHealth.

That’s why the course will focus on dietary issues, including calcium and Vitamin D.

“Their caloric needs change, too, in terms of when they’re young and growing. Then they need lots of calories ... and then as we age and get to our 30s, 40s and 50s and on, our calories needs decrease. Therefore, we need to make sure the food we eat is nutrient dense.

“That way you get a lot of bang for your buck,” Haugen said.

Contact this reporter at (513) 483-5219 or dewilson@coxohio.com.