Marilyn Gaston, U.S. assistant surgeon general, will be the keynote speaker at Speaking of Women's Health second Universal Sisters program Feb. 23.

        Dr. Gaston, a Cincinnati native and graduate of Walnut Hills High School, will base her talk on her book, Prime Time: The African American Woman's Complete Guide(Bantam; $25.95).

        Tickets are now on sale for the event, which lasts from 10 to 4 at Quinn Chapel AME Church in Forest Park. Cost is $15. For reservations, call (866) 794-4636.

        Highlights of the program include a presentation by Dr. Gwendolyn Goldsby Grant, whose monthly column in Essence magazine is read by more than 7.5 million people. Dr. Grant, a psychologist, specializes in assertiveness training, multicultural issues and relationship-building.

        New Orleans chef Carmen Bazile, creator of Miss Ruth's All Natural Seasonings, will demonstrate heart-healthy cooking.

        And the Live Talk Show will feature local speakers Annette Richardson, Dr. Dinee Riley, Dr. James Powell, Ana Perez, Melanie Richards and Kia McWorther. Topics include heart disease, stress, wellness, osteoporosis, exercise, nutrition, financial health and diabetes. Tori Turner of WMOJ-FM will moderate.

        Entertainment includes performances by the Cincinnati Youth Orchestra, New Missionary Baptist Church's Women's Choir and vocalist Tyrha M. Lindsey.

        Universal Sisters is a national program that emphasizes the importance of preventive health care for women of color.

        Diabetes, hypertension and heart disease are all of special concern for women of color.

        The program is presented by the National Speaking of Women's Health Foundation and sponsored by the P&G Fund, Wal-Mart, Actonel and Lifetime Television for Women.

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