POPULATION HEALTH & WELLBEING NEWSLETTER
Special Issue: Women's Health Online Resources
Women's Health Week, September 7- 11, 2020
|
|
|
Welcome to the Women's Health Week special edition!
Women’s Health Week is celebrated across Australia and looks to improve all women’s health and help to encourage women to make healthier choices. With the current COVID-19 pandemic, it is now more important than ever for women to look after their overall health and wellbeing.
This Women’s Health Week (September 7 – 11) the Central Highlands Rural Health (CHRH) Population Health team want to promote to women the importance of taking time for oneself and looking after their own health and wellbeing.
We want to break down the idea that taking time out for yourself is selfish or self-indulgent, but an important part of staying healthy. The Black Dog Institute have created a self-care plan template which you may find beneficial.
|
|
|
WOMEN'S HEALTH WEEK @ CHRH
The Population Health team at CHRH are taking this year's Women's Health Week campaign online. A key theme of the campaign is to take a little extra time for yourself, which is why we have created some videos for just that. Rachel and Namita, two of our Community Health and Wellbeing staff, have created videos practising yoga and meditation, which you can access below.
Both of these short videos can be completed by anyone (you don't need to be experienced) in the comfort of your home, on a short break at work or wherever you like.
During Women’s Health Week staff at CHRH are taking part in the all abilities ‘virtual step challenge’ as they collectively walk the 210km Goldfields Track from Ballarat to Bendigo. They are participating to get active and make their moves count whilst raising funds for Jean Hailes to help women and girls access women’s health information, education and services across Australia.
You can help support CHRH in this challenge and donate here.
#mymovescount #WomensHealthWeek
CHRH are excited to be able to celebrate and promote Women’s Health Week as we feel there are many incredible women within our community.
|
|
|
The Population Health team has compiled a list of useful women's health resources and local services across the Hepburn Shire and neighbouring towns.
Please pass this resource on to the women in your life.
|
|
GENERAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING
It is best to maintain our health, even when we are busy, than to try and fix problems when they may arise. The best way to do this is by having regular check-ups.
The following booklet is a 'road map' that outlines the important physical checks that you should be getting, through all stages of your life.
Your Health Check Journey Booklet
Springs Medical in Daylesford, Trentham and Kyneton offer the following general health services:
- Women's Wellness Clinic - a service provided for women by women providing wellness checks for health concerns impacting women at all stages
- LGBTQIA+ friendly Gender Clinic - offering extended consultations to support gender diverse health and wellbeing
Many women aged between 45 - 49 who are feeling fine, may neglect their regular check-up as they are busy caring for children or elderly relatives or simply can't find time between the demands of their personal and professional lives. A comprehensive health assessment can identify risk factors and changes that can be made to prevent or delay illness in the future. Springs Medical is offering a Medicare Bulk billed health check-up for those eligible between the ages of 45 - 49. To book or find out more please visit their website.
Creswick & Clunes Medical Centre also offer a range of general health checks.
HealthDirect have created a short questionnaire to help assess your risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease. They also provide tips on how to lower your risk.
Equally as important as looking after your body, is checking in on your mental and emotional health. There is no 'road map' for this area, so if you're feeling overwhelmed or unable to deal with everyday life, it's best to seek help. Below are a range of resources which you may find useful.
|
|
|
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Around 1 in 6 women in Australia will experience depression and 1 in 3 women will experience anxiety during their lifetime.
2020 has been a challenging year for many of us. That's why this year it's important that we check in with our own mental health and reach out if you need to.
It's important to reach out and find someone that you trust who can provide you with information, resources and support in how to look after your own mental health.
The following factsheet outlines what you can do to support your mental health and what to do if you need help.
Mental and Emotional Health
If you don't feel comfortable talking with your friends or family, below are plenty of online resources that you can access.
Head to Health - The Australian Government provides information and resources from trusted mental health organisations.
Beyondblue has a range of online mental health resources for anxiety, depression and suicide prevention, as well as a mental health checklist for new and expectant mums.
Black Dog Institute provides research, resources and support around mental health and have some great self-assessment tools including; Anxiety Self-Test, Depression Self-Test and ibobbly (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander resource).
Touch Base - LGBTI Mental Health resources
Lifeline – Crisis Support and suicide prevention
Call 13 11 14
Liptember - A campaign supporting gender specific mental health issues for women, while placing a strong emphasis on gender when it comes to mental health.
R U OK? - Suicide prevention charity
If you need more information or want to talk to someone in person, please speak with your GP. They can provide additional resources and put you in contact with a mental health clinician.
|
|
|
PHYSICAL WELLBEING
Keeping physically active is great for our overall health and wellbeing. There are a number of ways to keep active, from walking the dog, playing sport, heading to the gym or going for a bike ride. Your local Neighbourhood House is a great place to find out about local activities offered in your area.
We know that for some women the fear of being judged or ridiculed whilst participating in physical activity can prevent them from getting out there and 'having a go'.
This Girl Can is a great initiative from VicHealth, that looks to celebrate and support women embracing physical activity in a way that suits them. Check out their Get Active @ Home Campaign which provides a range of videos showing how you can move your body in the comfort of your own home.
Virtual Y is a program of YMCA, developed in response to the current COVID-19 environment. Upon registering you will receive free access to a host of pre-recorded exercise classes and ways to keep your body moving. You can also access a range of content on nutrition, wellbeing, family and youth to ensure you continue to look after your mind and body while staying at home.
Hepburn Shire Active Women and Girls Strategy highlights the importance of increasing female participation in sport and active recreation within our community. It shows the current situation and the strategy that has been put in place to see more females being active and reaping the benefits.
|
|
|
HEALTHY EATING
Many of us know the importance and benefits of eating healthy on our mind and body, however sometimes we might feel like we don't have the time or are not sure where to start. Below are some resources which outline affordable healthy foods and some simple meal ideas to help get started.
Healthy Eating Plan - Jean Hailes have put together three steps to assist you with meal planning. This includes planning, getting started and reflecting.
In this video, a Jean Hailes naturopath talks about Food as Medicine and 10 foods that can support your health that won't break the bank.
Healthy meal ideas fact sheets in multiple languages
LiveLighter provide a range of healthy meal plans which you can tailor to suit your needs. The plans provide a range of meal options and generate a grocery list, to make the whole process simple and easier to achieve.
If you are finding difficulty in accessing healthy and nutritious food, the following resource provides a list of businesses and organisations which may be able to support you.
CHRH Food Relief
 If you would like more information about the relationship between food and your health consider speaking to a local dietitian for some advice.
|
|
|
FAMILY VIOLENCE
1 woman is murdered by her partner or ex-partner every week in Australia.
Every woman in Australia has the right to feel safe in her own home and be free from violence or agression.
Family violence isn't just physical, it can be emotional, sexual, psychological or financial.
If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, please contact the following:
000 - If you are concerned about your or another persons safety
Safe Steps 1800 015 188 - For family violence information, support and referrals via phone or online.
Berry Street 5331 3558 - For family violence crisis services
You can also check out the following links to online resources regarding family violence
Victoria Police have developed videos about family violence in multiple languages.
Safe Steps have a range of resources online in multiple languages detailing what family violence is and what supports and services are available.
1800 RESPECT is a counselling, information and referral service for all Australians.
WRISC provides safety, support, information, advocacy, children's counselling, court support, and case management services across the Central Highlands region of Victoria.
The following link provides a detailed list of Family Violence Support Services in the Hepburn Shire.
|
|
|
SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
In Australia over half of all women have experienced an unplanned pregnancy. At the time of an unplanned pregnancy, 60 per cent of women were using at least one form of contraception.
Many women don't completely understand their reproductive system and genitalia. Below are two factsheets which provide easy to understand information.
Vulva and Vagina Fact sheet
Uterus, Cervix and Ovaries Fact sheet
A Cervical Screening Clinic is available at Springs Medical. Women (or persons with a cervix who identify as LGBTIQ) aged between 25 - 74 are highly recommended to have a Cervical Screening Test every 5 years even if you have had the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.
1800 MY OPTIONS – 1800 696 794
For information about contraception, pregnancy options and sexual health in Victoria.
The Labia Library is a resource developed by Women's Health Victoria to bust some common myths about women's genitalia and provide information, facts and referral. There is also a photo gallery to show the diversity of genitalia and help to promote positive body image.
Family Planning Victoria has a focus on reproductive and sexual health care, education and advocacy for all Victorians.
|
|
|
FINANCIAL HEALTH
Being financially independent and stable can have a positive impact on other areas of your health and wellbeing.
The following resources highlight the importance of financial literacy, understanding and looking after your money.
Women Talk Money is an information hub and support service with a range of videos about life, money and relationships, and how to put financial health tips into practice.
The Medical Costs Finder is from the Department of Health and helps you to understand the cost of common medical procedures by specialists in Australia.
This Budget Planner helps you to get started by looking at your money now and where you want to be without needing an accountant or specialist.
|
|
|
LOCAL PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Allied Health Services
Diabetes Educator
Dietetics
Occupational Therapy
Physiotherapy
Podiatry
Speech Pathology
Visit Central Highlands Rural Health Physical Wellbeing for more information.
|
|
Mental Wellbeing
Psychology
Social Work and Welfare
Alcohol and Other Drugs – withdrawal and counselling service
Visit Central Highlands Rural Health Mental Wellbeing for more information.
|
|
Oral Health
General Adult Dental Services
Emergency Dental
Denture Services
Visit Central Highlands Rural Health Oral Health for more information.
|
|
Population Health 
Central Highlands Rural Health provides a broad range of health promotion activities and initiatives to the communities in the Hepburn Shire in response to community interest and need.
The Population Health Team focuses on key priority areas including healthy eating, active living and mental wellbeing. Visit Central Highlands Rural Health Population Health for current programs and initiatives and for more information.
A suite of health promotion videos can be viewed here and shared with family and friends.
To keep informed in the future, please subscribe to our Community Newsletter.
|
|
Local GPs
Contact for any health concern and for a check-up
Springs Medical (Daylesford, Trentham & Kyneton)
Creswick & Clunes Medical Centre
|
|
Pharmacy’s
Visit your local pharmacist for any health advice or health check-up
Clunes Pharmacy Fraser Street Clunes
Creswick Pharmacy Albert Street, Creswick
TerryWhite Chemmart Pharmacy Vincent Street, Daylesford
Trentham Pharmacy High Street, Trentham
|
|
Women's Groups
**Please note all of these groups have been disrupted due to COVID-19. Groups may resume as restrictions begin to ease. Please make contact with a group prior to attending to confirm it is running.
Women in Creswick (WINC) - A self led support group that meets every Tuesday from 10am - 12pm at Creswick Community Health. For more information contact Creswick Reception on (03) 5345 9100.
Strong Young Group - A physio exercise group for all abilities that runs on Thursday mornings at Creswick Community Health. For more information contact Creswick Reception on (03) 5345 9100.
Pole Walking - A pole walking groups that meets Tuesday mornings in Creswick and Thursday mornings in Daylesford. For more information contact Creswick Reception on (03) 5345 9100.
Craft Group - Meets every 2nd Monday, 10am - 2pm at John Curtain Hostel, Creswick.
For more information please contact Rita on 5345 2239
Sweet Justice - Community Women's Choir meeting in Daylesford. Please visit their Facebook page for more information.
New Parent Group - Currently being run virtually. Please contact Maternal & Child Health on 5321 6500 for more information.
|
|
Community Services
Neighbourhood Houses
Clunes
Creswick
Daylesford
Trentham
Lions Australia
About Lions
Rotary Australia
About Rotary
Sporting Clubs and Active Recreation Groups
There are a number of local sporting clubs ranging from AFL, soccer, cricket, golf, bowls and more. There are also many local gyms, pilates, boot camps, yoga, walking groups and circus activities offered locally. Reach out to the clubs in your area for more information about getting involved.
U3A
About U3A
|
|
|
Listed resources and services were current from September 2020. For more information about local services and men's health information please email the Population Health team at pophealth@hhs.vic.gov.au.
|
|
Not signed up?
Click here to subscribe to our newsletter and stay informed!
|
|
|
|
|
|
