Community Health Seminars to Give a Positive Message to Women 

Health, Hormones and Happiness: Choices at Midlife
A night of information about health and lifestyle choices
with Australia’s leading women’s health specialists.
Building on the message of the positive effects that dietary and lifestyle changes can have on midlife health, The Jean Hailes Foundation have joined with the Women’s Centre and Breast Care Support Network to hold two important women’s health seminars in Albury on Thursday 10 and Friday 11 March, 2005.

A third event specifically for health professionals will give local practitioners the opportunity to update their knowledge of women’s health, including the latest in world research. By educating health professionals alongside the community, The Jean Hailes Foundation is ensuring that women’s health information and education is consistent.

‘Life and Hormones After Breast Cancer’ on Thursday 10 March at the Commercial Club, Albury, is a special evening for the community discussing hormone problems that can affect the lives of women and their families after experiencing breast cancer.

Women who have had breast cancer may experience a multitude of medical and/or emotional consequences. Although these women share a common bond of having survived breast cancer, their individual experiences may shape their lives after breast cancer.

Over the past decade breast cancer survival rates have increased with improved public awareness screening programs in the community. The incidence of breast cancer in Australia has increased but the mortality has fallen. Now 84% of all women diagnosed with this condition are living after five years, and 68% after 10 years.

Breast cancer patients are five times more likely to experience menopausal symptoms and seven times more likely to use alternative therapies.

Women who undergo chemotherapy for breast cancer have more severe physical symptoms following their treatment than women who do not. Journal of the National Cancer Institute March 3, 2004 (USA).

‘Health, Hormones and Happiness: Choices at Midlife’ on Friday 11 March at the Convention Centre, Albury, is a special opportunity for women to hear from a panel of leading women’s health experts about all the latest comprehensive midlife information and how to maximise good health as they age.

The seminar presents a comprehensive look at how women might choose to manage their health at midlife. It will be a great opportunity for women and their partners to hear from a range of experts who will answer questions about menopause, weight gain, stress and a range of therapies will be presented, along with up to date and relevant information about lifestyle issues and practical health tips.

Speakers for both events include:
Dr Helena Teede MBBS, FRACP, PhD
Dr Helena Teede is a Hormone Specialist (Endocrinologist) whose research has been recognised both locally and internationally. Her special interests are in the effects of hormones on women’s health and wellbeing. Helena is a popular speaker at seminars locally and interstate. She enjoys working in partnership with women, educating them in their choices to improve their quality of life. Helena currently consults at the Jean Hailes Foundation and is an Endocrinologist in private practice.

Dr Amanda Deeks B.Ed, GRAD DIP Psych, PhD, MAPS
Dr Amanda Deeks is a Psychologist specialising in the area of menopause and midlife. Amanda recently completed her PhD, where she studied menopausal women, their interpersonal relationships, sexual function, body image, social role and purpose in life. Amanda currently consults at The Jean Hailes Foundation and works in private practice. She also has a Bachelor of Education.

Sandra Villella B. App.Sci (Nat), M.App.Sci. (Acu)
Sandra Villella is a Naturopath, Herbalist and Acupuncturist. She uses herbal medicine, incorporating Chinese medicine, as well as nutritional supplements and dietary advice in her practice. She completed a Master of Applied Science - Acupuncture in 1999. Sandra teaches short courses on health and natural therapies to the general public. She is a frequent presenter at talks and seminars in Victoria and interstate. Her special interest is women's health, particularly in the management of menopause. Sandra consults at The Jean Hailes Foundation as well as from inner Melbourne practices.

Doors for the midlife event on Friday night open at 6.30pm with information, stalls and education about fitness, health, diet and lifestyle choices for on display.

Both seminars begin at 7pm.

For more information or to arrange interviews please contact:
Janet Michelmore
(media) 0411 115 456

Speakers available for interview:
Dr Helena Teede, Endocrinologist
Dr Amanda Deeks, Psychologist · Sandra Villella, Naturopath
Janet Michelmore AO, Director, The Jean Hailes Foundation
Jenny Black, Regional Breast Care Nurse, Albury/Wodonga
Karen Wise, Women’s Health Worker, Women’s Centre, Albury/Wodonga
Event Details:
EVENT: Life and Hormones After Breast Cancer
DATE: Thursday 10 March 2005
TIME: 7pm
VENUE: Commercial Club, Albury ‘Banksia A’ room
BOOKINGS: Jenny Black 02 6058 18589562 6771  EVENT: Health, Hormones Happiness: Choices at Midlife
DATE: Friday 11 March 2005
TIME: 7pm
VENUE: The Convention Centre, Albury
BOOKINGS: 02 6041 1977 (Tues-Thurs, 9am-4pm)

Important Health Message
Health education is vital for all Australian women. The message is simple. Women should be encouraged to explore all the health management options available to them so that they can make informed choices about the way in which they choose to manage their health and wellbeing through out the entirety of their lives

About The Jean Hailes Foundation
The Jean Hailes Foundation is a leading national women's health organisation whose brief is to devise and implement strategies through excellence in research, education and clinical care that are fundamental to the health and well being of Australian women, their families and the community. The Foundation provides a unique response to the health needs of the 3.3 million Australian women aged between 35 to 65 years who represent 20 percent of the nation’s population.

Funding
The Jean Hailes Foundation is a national not-for-profit women’s health organisation. Community education programs are funded through government, corporate, philanthropic and private donors.

Funding for the Foundation’s research activities comes from a range of government and non-government sources and is only accepted if it meets stringent medical research ethics criteria to ensure the independence and objectivity of the Foundation.

These programs are supported by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing.
 Media Briefing Notes March 9 2005
160 KB PDF Version available here

Page created March 09, 2005
Content updated March 09, 2005