Rural women face higher health risks than city women, making Women’s Health Week a vital reminder to put wellbeing first
Most of us out here in the regions are experts at juggling a million things – work, kids, farms, sport and volunteering just to name a few. But this week we’re calling time-out because it’s Women’s Health Week, and the theme is “Say Yes to You.”
Women are pretty good at saying yes to EVERYTHING – the boss, family, sports club, even the damn dog. But when it comes to our own health, we tend to bump it down the list. Women’s Health Week is the reminder to rewrite the list and to put yourself first.
Run by Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, the week is now Australia’s biggest campaign dedicated to women’s wellbeing, shining a light on topics that often get overlooked.
Each day of Women’s Health Week has its own focus. Monday is about the checks that keep us on track – from breast self-checks to pooping in pots. On Tuesday it’s about taking the lead in your own health appointments, asking the right questions and getting clear answers.
Midweek shifts the spotlight to the heart, with Wednesday tackling women’s risk of heart disease. Thursday is about pain, and finally calling bullshit on the old idea that it’s “just part of being a woman.” And Friday’s a reminder to be kind to your mind with a focus on mental health.
And for those of us outside the city limits, the message is even more important. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, women in rural and remote areas die younger than those in the cities – up to seven years less in remote areas, and as much as 12.7 years less in very remote communities. Rural women also face higher risks of preventable illness, pregnancy complications, and mental health struggles, with fewer doctors and specialists to turn to.
So this week, take the time to “Say Yes to You.” Book the test. Move your body. Have the chat. Poop in the pot. Do the thing. Because we’re worth it! After all, we hold this whole shit show together and we sure as hell deserve to take a break for ourselves to make sure we’re around long enough to enjoy the good bits.
Follow along and grab resources at Jean Hailes for Women’s Health Week.
