‘Check in on your health’ is this year’s message for what is Australia’s biggest week focusing on good health and wellbeing for all women, including LGBTI women and trans and gender diverse people of all ages.
“With COVID-19 placing additional stress on our lives, our health and wellbeing is now more important than ever,” says Brenda Jones, campaign manager, Women’s Health Week.
“At Jean Hailes, we understand that people experience inequities in health outcomes as a result of stigma and discrimination and can face specific challenges to safely getting the healthcare they need,” says Ms Jones.
“Women’s Health Week is a timely reminder to take time out for your health and wellbeing. Whether it’s scheduling a health check, setting aside time to check in on your mental wellbeing, or joining one of the many events happening around the country,” says Ms Jones. “It’s all about taking positive and proactive steps to being healthy in mind and body.”
The National LGBTI Health Alliance is the national peak health organisation in Australia for organisations and individuals that provide health-related programs, services and research focused on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people (LGBTI) and other sexuality, gender, and bodily diverse people and communities.
“The Alliance is really pleased to be part of Women’s Health Week and to be partnering with Jean Hailes. We know that LGBTI women and gender diverse people experience significant health disparities and the week allows for us all to come together to shine a light on these important health issues,” said Nicky Bath, CEO, The National LGBTI Health Alliance.
“We will be using the week to encourage LGBTI women and gender diverse people to ‘check in on your health’.”
Making that appointment for a breast check, cervical screening or general health check can often be sidelined by other priorities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Women’s Health week is an essential reminder to prioritise our health. It is also important that we use the week to talk about our health and about those health issues that are often hidden and experienced in silence.”