Women are being encouraged to make their health and wellbeing a priority during Women’s Health Week, 1-5 September.
The week is held by Jeans Hailes for Women’s Health, a national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving women’s health across every life stage.
The theme of this year’s event is ‘Say yes to you’ and encourages women to make time for health checks, educate themselves about their health, be aware of their risk of heart disease, managing pain and being kind to their minds.
Bass Coast Health (BCH) offers many services focused on caring for the women of Bass Coast and South Gippsland, as well as early detection and screening opportunities to identify health concerns.
BCH Interim CEO Simone Alexander encouraged women to be proactive in managing their health.
“While women tend to be busy with the tasks of everyday life, it’s important that they take care of themselves,” she said.
“Please have a check-up with your local General Practitioner for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes screening, skin checks and heart health as advised by your GP so that problems can be detected sooner rather than later.”
Women are advised to check their breasts monthly for any unusual changes such as lumps that could be breast cancer, as well as check their skin, looking for new/changed spots. See a GP if you notice any changes.
Cervical screening is recommended every five years. between the ages of 25 and 70, to check for changes in the cervix. There are now options for self-collection of cervical screening.
BCH’s skilled and caring clinicians can provide information and support to help women make informed decisions about their health.
BCH’s services include maternity care, specialist gynaecology, Maternal and Child Health, Childbirth Education, a McGrath Breast Care Nurse and BreastScreen.
To learn more about BCH's services, go to: www.basscoasthealth.org.au