As part of Women’s Health Week, all Australian women are encouraged to take time to think about making positive changes that can improve health and wellbeing.
The Australian Government is funding initiatives that support the health of women at all stages of life — from birth to childhood and adolescence, and pregnancy and adulthood.
An important part of this is Jean Hailes’ National Digital Gateway for Women’s Health and Wellbeing – a one-stop shop for women’s health information.
The Gateway provides women with access to evidence-based information that will help them take steps to improve their health and wellbeing.
Pregnancy, birth and adjusting to becoming a parent is also time when many women can face challenges. It is easy to be overwhelmed during this life-changing time and women often do not prioritise their own health.
The Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Helpline provides free, confidential, professional information and counselling for women, their partners and families on conception, pregnancy, birthing and postnatal care.
The National Breastfeeding Helpline provides information and support to more than 80,000 Australian mothers each year.
Screening is a fundamental part of preventive health and the Turnbull Government continues to support BreastScreen Australia and the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
Breast cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in women and bowel cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Australia.
We know that screening saves lives. And our investment is expected to save up to 30 per cent more women from cervical cancer than the current two yearly program.
A healthy active lifestyle is important to overall health and wellbeing. Good habits are formed early and it’s important that young women are active.
To support this, the Government is providing $17 million for the ‘Girls Make Your Move’ campaign to inspire and energise young women to see exercise and physical activity as an important part of their lives.
We encourage all women to prioritise their health and their needs and to make positive changes for their benefit — not just this week, but every week.