At Jean Hailes we are passionate about women’s health.

If women do not take care of their physical and emotional health, this impacts on not only on the women themselves, but their families and the community as a whole. Women don’t always make their own health a priority and they often take better care of those around them. We wanted to do something about this.

Much to our surprise we discovered there was no one Australian initiative dedicated to celebrating women’s health and its importance. There are many health days that raise awareness on any number of illnesses and conditions. There is even a men’s health week, yet there was no week dedicated to all women encouraging them to make good health a priority.

The Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health has a history of developing ‘firsts’.  Dr Jean Hailes established the first menopause clinic in the Southern Hemisphere. For more on the history of Jean Hailes read The birth of the Jean Hailes Foundation.

Women’s Health Week

The Jean Hailes Women’s Health Week is an online event providing women with a range of engaging opportunities to learn about their health including videos, articles, podcasts, local community events and the latest evidence-based information from health experts.

Messages from the inaugural Women’s Health Week help to tell the story:
Sally – “I live in a very isolated area in Queensland, but through technology I was able to enjoy Women’s Health Week and I thank you!”
Vicki – “Make health week into health month! It was so inspiring!”
Chris – “I thought the daily emails were wonderful. I looked forward to receiving them each day and reading what they contained. Thank you so much for all the work you had put into the Women’s Health Week. I thought it was very successful…”
Jean Hailes Women’s Health Week is not about making giant changes, nor is it about setting unrealistic expectations. It’s about keeping it simple, encouraging positive motivation and offering something for everyone, no matter your background, age or how healthy you are.

It’s about making women aware that it’s ok to take time out to focus on their own health needs.

Women’s Health Week is here to stay. “I am immensely proud of what Jean Hailes has achieved. It is an event in which millions of women can partake in annually. Women in communities, organisations and companies can all come together to celebrate good health and harness themselves with the confidence to make changes – one small step at a time,” says Janet Michelmore AO, Executive Director.

As it grows, we hope to see more women register for the week, more events held nationally and further support from community, organisations such as Federation Square, corporate and government.

Our aim is to create a healthier future for all women in Australia no matter whether they live in cities, rural or remote locations around Australia.

Captions:

Above: Women gather in Fed Square for Women’s Health Week 2014

Below: Daily fruit and veg intake is key to good health

Below: Get outside rain or shine

Below: Exercise is for everyone, regardless of age.

Below: Watch the Jean Hailes story

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