Free information forum - 'Women's health at every stage'

Celebrating International Women's Day 2014 As women age, changes in their
life impact on their health and their needs change - some things are
welcome, and some not so welcome. Being healthy lets women do the things
they want to do. So knowing their options can help them make the right
choices and allow them to maintain their health and happiness as they age.
It is never too early to start or too late to improve physical and mental
health.
Women's Centre for Health Matters knows from the feedback they have received
that women in the ACT want to know more about the life stage issues that are
beginning to affect them, or that may affect them as they grow older. But
it can be difficult for women to find information.
This free information forum (being organised by WCHM, the ACT Women's Health
Service and the ACT Health Directorate) will provide practical advice to ACT
women about what they need to know and to think about at each life stage to
maintain good health and wellbeing for a long and healthy life.
Throughout the afternoon individual speakers will cover the key things that
women need to think about for each of the following life stages:

. Teens: Under Construction - This is a time of many changes as girls
turn into women, their bodies change and the way they look at the world
often changes too. And with schoolwork, family responsibilities, and finding
time for friends, dealing with these changes can be stressful.

. 20s and 30s: Start young to remain healthy - For many women, this
stage of life may signal a period of change with many opportunities and
challenges - starting work for the first time, studying, moving away from
home, sharing houses, starting motherhood, and being very busy.

. 40s and 50s: Dealing with a busy life - Levels of tiredness and
stress are probably increasing now, and it is a time when women often
balance the demands of trying to work and, perhaps, look after a family.

In this age range, many women notice a change in body shape and health
issues start to emerge. And many may find their caring roles changing from
their children to their ageing parents. Now is the time to make sure
long-term health risks are minimal.

. 60s plus: Maintaining your health as you age - There may be health
issues emerging, which may place limitations on the ability to stay active
and healthy. But it is important to keep as healthy and active as possible
to enjoy life and to stay active socially.
During the forum there will also be an expo with local health and support
services providing information and access to resources about physical health
and wellbeing, emotional health and wellbeing, sexual health, and having a
baby.
Information will also be available for men about what they need to know
about the women in their lives.

When? Saturday 15 March 2014 from 12.30 - 3:00pm

Speakers will present on the different life stages at the following times:

-12.45pm - Welcome and opening
- 1.00pm - The Teens: Under Construction
- 1.30pm - 20s and 30s: Start young to remain healthy
- 2.00pm - 40s and 50s: Dealing with a busy life
- 2.30pm - 60s +: Maintaining your health as you age Or attendees can browse
the expo at any time during the forum.
Where
The forum will be held at the ANU Commons Function Centre, Acton (at the
corner of Rimmer Street and Kingsley Street).
For any questions please contact the Women's Centre for Health Matters by
emailing ed@wchm.org.au<mailto:ed@wchm.org.au> by phoning (02) 6290 2166.