WATERLOO -- More than 1,000 women will gather Friday for the fourth annual Speaking of Women's Health Conference at the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center.

And for the fourth consecutive year, Iowa's only stop on the 40-city national tour has sold out. Hosted by Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-Covenant Foundation, the event is a forum for women's health initiatives. This year's theme is, "It's The Right Time to Be Strong, Be Healthy and Be in Charge."

Dr. Pamela Peeke and Harriette Cole are featured national speakers. Peeke, author of the best-sellers "Body for Life for Women," "Fight Fat After Forty," and the new "Fit to Live," is a Pew Foundation Scholar in nutrition and metabolism and assistant professor of medicine at the University of Maryland. She is a medical correspondent for Discovery Health Channel and the doctor behind the award-winning "National Body Challenge" campaign.

Cole is author of several books, including "Choosing Truth" and "Coming Together." A former editor at Essence magazine, Cole writes a syndicated advice column in the New York Daily News and hosts Pulse, a lifestyle talk show on XM Satellite Radio.

Throughout the day-long conference, attendees also will hear local speakers, including Dr. Cassandra Foens, Dr. Scott Torness, Penny O'Connor and others, as well as participate in free health screenings Topics range from heart health, diabetes prevention and osteoporosis to talking to girls and teens about health and self-esteem.

It is also an environment for learning and camaraderie, said Kristin Schaefer, Covenant Foundation, local conference coordinator.

"What makes Speaking of Women's Health so special is its reputation and understanding of the unique psychology of women. Attendees are interested in improving their health and seek fair, balanced and credible information," she said.

Locally, the Speaking of Women's Health Initiative raises funds for Covenant Foundation, women's and children's health care and community outreach programs. Since 2004, local charities have received $120,000 in community investment grants.

Contact Melody Parker at 291-1429 or melody.parker@wcfcourier.com.