Do it anyway is the message for Women's Health Week
Bayside Health Regional is urging women across South Gippsland and Bass Coast to take one small step for their health this week
WOMEN across South Gippsland and Bass Coast are being urged to take one small step for their own health this week and to start by finding out what is on offer close to home.
Women’s Health Week runs from September 7 to 11 under the theme of do it anyway, with organiser Jean Hailes for Women’s Health encouraging women to stop waiting for the right moment.
Bayside Health Regional chief executive Louise Sparkes said knowing what services were available locally could help women get care without leaving the region.
“Our services provide specialist, contemporary, considerate care to the women of our community, as well as early detection and screening services to identify health matters early,” she said.
Ms Sparkes urged women to check their breasts monthly for unusual changes such as lumps, and their skin for new or changed spots, and to book a GP appointment as soon as possible if they notice anything unusual.
Maternity care, breast screening, maternal and child health, gynaecology, parenting support and Pilates are all run across the group’s sites, which include Wonthaggi Hospital and the Phillip Island Community Hospital.
Bayside Health Regional was formed on January 1 when Bass Coast Health merged with Gippsland Southern Health Service and Kooweerup Regional Health Service under the new Bayside Health.
Local mother Ashleigh Goederee said the first step for her was admitting she needed help with her baby’s sleep.
Her first son was six months old and she was exhausted and anxious and unable to get him to settle, until another new mother pointed her towards an early parenting unit.
“I really felt like I was just in survival mode back then,” Ms Goederee said.
“I was completely exhausted and running on very little sleep, which affected my energy and overall wellbeing.”
She has since been back with her second son for a refresher course.
“It helped me realise that asking for help isn’t a sign that you’re failing as a parent,” she said.
“There is absolutely no shame in needing guidance, especially if you’re not getting any sleep.”
