Female health concerns released in advance of national Women’s Health Week

With Jean Hailes’ annual national Women’s Health Week campaign set to run from 4th to 8th September, newly released research is offering unique health insights into women aged 18 to 80 across Australia.

The Survey reveals that around 60% of women don’t do the required 2.5 hours of moderate physical activity a week and a similar number think that they’re overweight.

It also shows that almost 40% of women have been professionally diagnosed with depression or anxiety and that despite the seemingly saturated market, almost half of women want more information on healthy eating and nutrition.

An annual health campaign, now in its fifth year, dedicated to inspiring women to take an interest in their health, Women’s Health Week events are set to see more than 54,000 women participate in activities in every state and territory across Australia.

The Week’s 1,500 events will focus on five themes that are a result of what surveyed women advised they wanted to know more about:

Day one: heart health. Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women in Australia, yet women’s main health concern is cancer, according to our survey. We explore how symptoms of heart attacks can be different in women, and key heart disease risks.

Day two: mindfulness. Almost 60% of women said they felt nervous, anxious or on the edge in the two weeks prior to our survey. On Tuesday, we cover mindfulness, a type of meditation that can help manage stress, anxiety and depression.

Day three: bone health. The strength and health of our bones is a major concern for Australian women. We look at ways women can ensure their frames stay strong throughout their lives.

Day four: physical activity. More than half of women surveyed don’t do the required 2.5 hours of moderate physical activity a week. Our experts explain how to get moving more.

Day five: sleep. Nearly half of women surveyed had trouble sleeping on at least several days every week. We look at why women are tired and simple but effective ways to beat poor sleep and fatigue.

Commenting on the state of women’s health, Dr Helen Brown, the Head of the Translation, Education & Communication Unit at Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, explained “our survey results offer a fascinating insight into the state of women’s health in Australia today.

“Most women say they’re in good health but many admit to worrying excessively every week, not being physically active enough and think that they’re overweight.” 

For more information on Women’s Health Week campaign go to www.womenshealthweek.com.au

Click here to view Survey results.

Image: A Women’s Health Week 2017 event in Tasmania. Courtesy of Jean Hailes/Facebook.

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