20 February 2012:

It's never too late for 40+ women to improve their health, their fitness, their outlook on the future and their sex life – that's the message from health experts speaking at a women's health information seminar in Canberra in early March.

"A lot of women still have the myth rattling around in their brain that reaching their 40s and beyond means life is over or on its way to being over. They believe that fat, forty and frumpy myth," says Maureen Matthews, sex educator with Jean Hailes for Women's Health.

"But things have changed. Women are living longer and so at 40 they may still have more than half their life ahead of them. Yes, at 40 you probably aren't going to wear those new hotpants with your bum cheeks hanging out – but there's no reason why you can't still be vibrant, sexually active, fit and energetic.

"Just as adolescence is a time of moving into adulthood, the 40s are a time for a woman to move into her time. She can do her own thing, develop her own confidence, pursue her own interests and dedicate time to herself."

The Sex, Health & Your Life event on Wednesday 7 March 2012 timed to coincide with International Women's Day on March 8, has been specifically developed for women in their 40s and beyond. Experts in the area of physiotherapy and fitness, general practice and sex education will share up-to-date and practical information to help women manage physical and emotional health issues.

"We know from the feedback we receive that women in the ACT want to know more about the life issues that are beginning to affect them, or that may affect them as they hit midlife," says Marcia Williams, Executive Director of the Women's Centre for Health Matters, a key organiser of the event.

"But it can be difficult for women to find information about how to stay healthy and active and how to maintain safe and happy sexual relationships. This event will give ACT women who are 40+ the opportunity to come along and learn more about what midlife means for them and to receive advice from, and ask questions of, a range of health experts.

"It's also an opportunity for women to meet other women, to share some stories and to enjoy themselves."

Physiotherapist and fitness instructor Lisa Westlake will explain the importance of women taking care of their pelvic floor, posture, bone density and balance. Westlake will also take women through some simple but effective exercises that they can do at home.

"I want women to really think about what is stopping them from being as physically active as they could be because physical activity is beneficial for everybody. It helps you feel fit and strong and allows you to better enjoy everyday life," says Westlake.

"There are barriers that stop women from being active and they have to bust those barriers. Women need to think about prioritising their health – it's the best gift you can give yourself to include some physical activity in your day. And if you look after yourself then you can better look after the people in your life."

The event, organised by Jean Hailes for Women's Health in partnership with the Women's Centre for Health Matters and Sexual Health & Family Planning ACT will be held at the ACT Legislative Assembly Reception Room in Canberra on Wednesday 7th March 2012.

The Day session is from 12.30pm to 3.00pm. The Evening session is from 6.30pm to 9pm.

Cost is free and bookings are essential. For details call 02 6290 2166 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

This event is supported by the Department of Health and Ageing.

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For media

To interview a Jean Hailes expert or partnering organisation representative of this event please contact Jean Hailes Communications Manager Aleeza Zohar on (03) 9562 6771 or 0425 758 729 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it