Rural health professionals reach out to local women  

Sixteen health professionals have been charged with the responsibility of reaching out to Victorian women – however remote their location across the state. They are a valuable addition to the existing team of health educators at the Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health.

From Talangatta to Lorne, the word is spreading – health experts are in town.

The educators are community nurses or other health professionals who, typically, are very familiar with the residents of their local region. They are in a great position to share up-to-the-minute health information from the Foundation.

The Foundation conducts research, offers a medical clinic and a range of education services to improve the lives of Australia’s five million women over 35 years of age, according to leading educator, Sarah Hardy.

“We want to let women know how to make decisions so that they can take care of their health, and ultimately, we want women to understand the message about early detection of chronic disease,” says Ms Hardy. “Our new educators know the issues in their local communities, and are best placed to spread the word.”

“In a nutshell, we want to stop older women becoming unwell. We know that many aged-related illnesses can be avoided if women take action when in their 30s and 40s,” she said.

Did you know:

Five times as many women die of heart disease as breast cancer

One in three will die from heart disease

One in four will get cancer

Type 2 diabetes is the most common chronic disease of women over the age of 40.

The Foundation’s educators are available to speak on a range of topics including health screenings, menopause and hormone therapy, diabetes, cardiovascular health and osteoporosis – to name a few. To arrange a speaker call tollfree on 1800 151 441.

MEDIA:
To interview an educator contact Aleeza Zohar
1800 151 441
or
0425 758 729.

Page created May 12, 2006
Content May 12, 2006