Swim for your Life 

Nearly 400 swimmers turned out on Saturday 14th December for the inaugural Jean Hailes Swim for your life at the Middle Brighton Baths, with over 80 individuals completing the challenging 4km swim. 
Congratulations to all who participated and thanks to all who came down to support the swimmers.

Special thanks to Nicole Livingstone, our swim patron, Brad McEwen of Channel 10 who provided great commentary, and our sponsors. 

Event organisers, Gina Harris (of Cousin's Travel), Brad and Nick Boyden (Lane 4 wetsuits) and Caroline Ludwell toiled to make this event a success, with their awesome effort being well rewarded by the high participation.

Update on Medical Centre

The Jean Hailes Medical Centre has recently started several new ancillary clinics for women. Referrals are required. 

The Diabetes and Cardiovascular Risk Assessment Clinic 

This clinic has started on a weekly basis (Wednesday evenings) and is staffed by endocrinologists, a diabetes nurse educator, dieticians and a weight management consultant. 

Bone Clinic 

A bone clinic for the assessment and management of women with osteoporosis has just started on a weekly basis (Friday afternoons) and is staffed by endocrinologists and endocrine registrars. 

Menstrual Management Clinic 

A menstrual management for the assessment and management of women with period problems/abnormal bleeding, beginning in April on Tuesday mornings, staffed by gynaecologists. 

Continence and Exercise Workshops 

These workshops are for women with incontinence and/or osteoporosis and will be run jointly by a pelvic floor physiotherapist. For people wanting to make appointments for the above mentioned clinics please contact The Jean Hailes Medical Centre on 03 9562 7555. 

Women’s and Men’s Health Physiotherapy

The Jean Hailes Foundation is pleased to announce that Women’s and Men’s Health Physiotherapy has joined the Medical Centre consulting team. This physiotherapy practice (established over 10 years ago), provides the highest standards of quality care for women with continence and pelvic floor disorders and pre and post natal conditions. 

Physiotherapist Emma Dorward will provide individual consultations on Monday mornings. Pelvic floor classes will be offered later in the year in conjunction with the Education Unit. 

Physiotherapy can improve or cure: 

• bladder and bowel incontinence symptoms 

• pelvic organ prolapse 

• pain in the pelvic region related to endometriosis or sexual pain 

• preparation for and recovery following gynaecological, bladder or bowel surgery 

• musculo-skeletal, pelvic floor and abdominal muscle related conditions of the childbearing years. 

Call The Jean Hailes Medical Centre on 9562 7555 to make an appointment. 

Boroondara Citizen of the Year 

Director of The Jean Hailes Medical Centre, Dr Sue Reddish, was honoured by Boroondara Council during this year’s Australia Day celebrations for her life long commitment to the sport of netball. According to Boroondara Council she received the award because her commitment to the sport has provided a positive influence for players, teaching them self-confidence, organisational and administrative skills. 

Sue’s passion for sport, and in particular netball, is surpassed only by her determination to make a difference to women’s health. And she is making a difference in more ways than one. Her Jean Hailes role gives her the opportunity to work with a multidisciplinary team of GPs, specialists and allied health professionals, who are all passionate about improving the health of Australian women. 

In 1995 Sue was instrumental in forming the Boroondara Netball Association to cater for the huge demand locally for netball. This gave junior girls from year two and up the opportunity to hone their craft as ‘netta netballers’, and older girls and women the chance to play right through to State League. The Association is one of the largest netball associations in Victoria and is managed entirely by volunteers. 

The Jean Hailes Foundation is very proud to sponsor the two State League teams called ‘JHF Power’. Many staff members follow the team with interest and pride. 

Sue Reddish, Boroondara Citizen of the Year, has a simple message for women Australia wide: 

“There is a clear link between women’s health and sport. In addition to the obvious health benefits associated with physical activity, there are many other valuable ’life skills’ learnt from involvement and participation in any sport; including the development of self esteem, leadership qualities, being a member of a ‘team’, loyalty, close friendships and encouraging a sense of community spirit through volunteer involvement. Sport creates opportunities for the whole family (including teenagers who may otherwise be involved in less favourable activities!) to become involved together; and for people of all ages, appearances, intelligence and status to work and play together. You will always gain much more than you give.” 

Congratulations Sue on being awarded Boroondara Citizen of the Year. We wish you, and JHF Power, the best of luck in the coming year.

Do something good for your health!

What do you think about our magazine? In this issue you will find a questionnaire enclosed. We would really appreciate if you could take the time to fill out the questions. You can choose to do this anonymously, but if you would like to go into the draw to win a fantastic weekend away for two, including a sumptuous buffet breakfast on both days, at any Mercure/All Seasons Hotel* in Australia or New Zealand, we need your details. 

The questionnaire is simply to find out what you need from a magazine about your health. We want to get it right and do it better! 

So, pick up the phone and call The Jean Hailes Foundation tollfree on 1800 151 441 for a questionnaire today (if you do not have a copy already) and tell us what you want to know…and you could be on your way to a weekend of indulgence and relaxation…and that’s got to be good for your health! 

* The prize is valued at up to $500 and is subject to availability. The prize is not valid during special event periods ie New Years Eve. Mercure Resort Blue Mountains may carry an additional surcharge in peak periods.

Update on Education

Overseas Trained Doctor Program 

The Jean Hailes Foundation provides comprehensive women’s health education for overseas trained doctors in rural areas for the Rural Workforce Agency of Victoria (RWAV). As there is a national shortage of doctors in rural areas, Rural Workforce Agencies across Australia are funded to ensure that shortages are filled and that appropriate training is offered. Overseas trained doctors are given an overview of women’s health issues in Australia, with a particular focus on the laws in Australia and the rights of women. 

Community Seminars 

From time to time The Foundation holds large community seminars around the country in partnership with local services, offering up to date information on current issues in women's health. 

Upcoming seminars include: 

April 4 Glenside, South Australia 
‘Positive Changes – Choices at Midlife’ 
In partnership with Womens Health Statewide 
Speakers: 
Dr Elizabeth Farrell, Gynaecologist, The Jean Hailes Foundation 
Ms Sandra Villella, Naturopath, The Jean Hailes Foundation 

Followed by a panel discussion with local experts 
Bookings are essential - phone Womens Health Statewide (08) 8239 9600 or tollfree 1800 182 098 to register.

May 23 Dubbo, New South Wales (Details to be confirmed) 
Contact The Jean Hailes Education Unit for further information tollfree on 1800 151 441. 

Health Information Sessions 

Information sessions are held regularly in metropolitan Melbourne. These sessions are small, intimate gatherings coordinated in partnership with local health services. 

For information about a session closest to you please The Jean Hailes Education Unit on 03 9562 6771. 

Multicultural menopause sessions 

Information sessions offered in partnership with The Cancer Council Victoria. Program offers menopause education diverse range of languages. For inquiries and bookings phone Elizabeth or Betul at The Cancer Council Victoria on 9635 5566. 

Health professional programs 

April 5 Adelaide, South Australia 
May 24 Dubbo, NSW (Details to be confirmed) 

‘Menopause into the Millennium’ – a one day training program, CPD points allocated.

For registration and inquiries contact The Jean Hailes Education Unit tollfree on 1800 151 441.

The Jean Hailes Foundation magazine is designed to be informative and educational. It is not intended that The Jean Hailes Foundation magazine provide specific medical advice or replace advice from your health professional. The Jean Hailes Foundation does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or the use of information or advice) which is provided in this magazine or incorporated into it by reference. Information is provided on the basis that all persons reading the magazine undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content. 

© The Jean Hailes Foundation. Apart from fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under copyright legislation, no part may be reproduced or reused for any commercial purposes.

Note: This article is an archive. Whilst the Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health has made every effort to ensure this information was accurate at the time of publication, the article content has not been updated since the date listed below. 

Content March 21, 2003