Dear friend of Jean Hailes

'A change is as good as a holiday'; something that many of us are dreaming of at this time of year! Rather than lying on a beach with a good book, we've been busily working on some of the biggest changes in Jean Hailes' 19 year history.

My mum, Dr Jean Hailes, started the first midlife and menopause clinic in Australia in 1971. Back then, midlife health was a black hole in the health care agenda but mum listened to the needs of Australian women and here we are, four decades later, continuing her legacy.

In 2011, we are still listening to the needs of Australian women and responding with new initiatives. Our medical centre now includes an interdisciplinary specialist Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Service, the first of its kind in Australia. The service was developed because women told us they needed it; there was nothing else like this out there for them. Similarly, women's mental health and wellbeing and Indigenous women's health are still under-resourced and under-researched in this country and that is why I'm delighted that our research team has expanded to include experts in these areas. (See our research update for more information.)

I'm so proud of the amazing work we're doing here at Jean Hailes, but none of it would be possible without your generosity. Your donations allow us to research more, offer more clinical advice and educate more, so thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your continued support.

This edition of the magazine looks at three big issues in women's health that are more than skin deep, including one that can be very difficult to talk about. I won't be sharing any personal anecdotes about my vulval health (much to my family's relief!) but I will say that this is an issue that is relevant to all women and I hope that you find this article as enlightening as I did.

Both heart disease and osteoporosis are concerns for me due to my family history but the million dollar question is; how to stay on track? I know what I should be doing but I struggle to stay motivated. After a long, stressful day, sometimes I feel like flopping on the couch with a glass of wine and a row of chocolate (or five!). The difference now is that instead of feeling like a failure the next day, I take my tuna and bean salad to work for lunch, follow it up with a brisk walk and remind myself that one night of indulgence isn't the end of the world.

Janet Michelmore, AO
Director

Janet can be contacted on
1800 JEAN HAILES (532 642)

Privacy Statement

Due to Australian privacy laws your permission is required for the Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health to continue sending you information about our activities. You will continue to receive information unless you indicate otherwise. If you wish to be removed from our mailing list, or would like to make changes or additions to your contact details, please contact us on (03) 9562 6771 or tollfree on 1800 JEAN HAILES (532 642).

The Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health national magazine is designed to be informative and educational. It is not intended to provide specific medical advice or replace advice from your health professional. The Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health 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 national magazine or incorporated into it by reference. Information is provided on the basis that all persons reading the national magazine undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content.

© 2011 The Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health

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.

Content updated June 2011