and new 45 year health check

The Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health has released its bi-annual magazine, featuring a range of issues relevant to the health and wellbeing of Australia’s five million women aged 35 years and over – a quarter of the country’s population.

Employing specialist endocrinologists (hormone specialists), gynaecologists, general practitioners, medical researchers, allied health professionals and health educators, the Foundation is Australia’s pre-eminent women’s health organisation conducting medical research, education and clinical care. The Foundation offers independent advice and is not-for-profit, with funding provided by the federal government, philanthropic organisations, private individuals and corporate entities.

The latest winter edition features:

What women need to know about their heart

While more women than men die each year from heart-related disease, the reality is that many women are more concerned about their risk of breast cancer. The risk factors may be similar for men and women, but there are important differences that every woman should be aware of. Professor Helena Teede has a tough warning for women: ‘Make sure you know your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels as they do not show symptoms…these factors will continue to damage blood vessels until it’s too late.” More...

Depression: more than just the blues

Flat. Listless. No energy. Not interested. Numb. Empty.

While our emotions can affect us all at different times, people experiencing depression intensively feel emotions such as these, often every day – and the effects can be overwhelming. Jean Hailes psychologist Gillian Needleman says that once depression is identified, many people want to know whether treatment is required. Can it just be left to pass? And if treatment is necessary, what types are available and how do we know which to choose? More...

Aged 45 to 49? You may be eligible for a new health check rebate

Just at the time in your life when you may be noticing the signs – and feeling the impact of – ageing, find out more about a new rebatable health check program which could help you to prevent or delay the onset of chronic disease. More...