Midlife - A resource for Health Professionals

The educational kit, Midlife - A resource for Health Professionals, was developed over two years and completed in November 2002. The comprehensive kit, provides rural, remote and metropolitan communities with the resources to establish a best practice, health education service for women at midlife.

The kit was developed in consultation with a rural steering committee of community health professionals and focus groups of women from various rural and regional centres in Victoria.

Contents of the comprehensive kit are designed for multiple use, adaptable to local needs and are user friendly.

The resource kit includes: 

1. An up-to-date information manual on midlife health issues, including informed decision making, understanding menopause, emotional health and wellbeing, sexuality, lifestyle and complementary therapies, hormone therapy, plus further reading and resources. 

2. A second manual offering practical teaching strategies with interactive group activities, facilitation tips, session outlines to assist the health professional with information dissemination and ideas on promotion and media in local communities. 

3. An interactive CD-ROM - first of its kind, "Midlife - Choices for Health and Wellbeing", which promotes informed decision making and addresses health issues for women at midlife. Designed for women and their families. (Both the CD-ROM and strategies manual have women's stories that have been collected from women's focus groups). 

4. A video "Why Me? Menopause" discusses what is menopause and includes information on exercise and nutrition. 

This project encompassed a three-stage development process with community participation. For details of the Steering Group membership and other project  information please see the Rural and Remote Health Professionals Midlife Resource Kit Project.

Community Seminars

The Jean Hailes Foundation for Women's Health presents information for women who are 35 years plus wanting to find out more about healthy ageing. For more information please see the Events page.

Indigenous Health

The Jean Hailes Foundation for Women's Health has worked closely with Indigenous communities throughout Australia since 1998. In support of Indigenous women's health The Foundation has provided menopause workshops for women throughout Victoria, investigated general and reproductive health in West Australia and south west Victoria, produced culturally sensitive education resources for the Kimberley region of WA and have maintained close links with Koori women throughout Victoria.

For more information please see Indigenous Health - Kimberley Project.

The Foundation was invited into the Kimberley communities of West Australia to support health education for local Aboriginal women. Our positive working relationships with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous men and women from the communities in and around Derby, WA have led to a survey of Aboriginal women's health that has culminated in the development of culturally sensitive health education resources for the region.   

Content updated 1 September, 2006