Hobart Women’s Health Centre Newsletter SPRING/ SUMMER 2014/15 Mentors in Violence Prevention P. 2

A Wee Problem by Petula Broad According to the Continence Foundation of Australia, 4.8 million Australians have continence issues, more than the numbers who have arthritis or asthma. Yet many people suffer in silence or curtail their lives because they are afraid of wetting themselves in public. Women, who have had even just one baby, are nearly three times more likely to leak urine and wet themselves than women who have not had a baby.

Leading Feminist Marilyn Beaumont P. 3

Perhaps surprisingly, another common risk group is elite athletes. Doing extreme activities, which put strain on pelvic floor muscles, means around 40% have continence problems.

Active Women p.5

Other risk groups include menopausal women and women who have undergone gynaecological surgery. Men who have had surgery for prostate cancer are also at risk.

What’s On p.6 AGM Wrap Up p.7

Here for ALL women

Diverse Women p.8

Any of the following symptoms should be checked out by a doctor, including:  having to rush to get to the toilet, to pass urine or open your bowels;  not being able to hold on when you want to;  not being able to control passing wind;  burning or stinging inside when you pass urine;  having to strain to start the flow of urine; or  pain in pelvic area or during sex. (i) We all know the importance of getting exercise and staying fit, but less well known is the damage we can do with certain kinds of exercise. These include running, jumping, star jumps, skipping, boxing, sit ups and crunches, deep lunges and squats, lifting heavy weights and any high impact sport. These all put added pressure on pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor is the base of the group of muscles referred to as your ‘core'. These muscles are located in your pelvis and stretch like a trampoline or hammock from the pubic bone to the coccyx or tail-bone, and from side to side. The pelvic floor muscles work with your deep abdominal, deep back muscles and diaphragm to stabilise and support your spine. They also help control the pressure inside your abdomen, to deal with the pushing down force when you lift or strain such as during exercise. continued over...

Pelvic floor muscles support the bladder and bowel in men and the bladder, bowel and uterus in women. They also help maintain bladder and bowel control and play an important role in sexual sensation and function. If we allow this group of muscles to become weakened, the result can be urinary and faecal incontinence. The Continence Foundation of Australia recommends 5 steps to stay in control. These include eating a fibre rich diet and drinking plenty of water. You should limit alcohol and fizzy drinks, which may irritate the bladder. Get regular exercise and keep your pelvic floor toned. Practise good toilet habits. Wait until your bladder is full before emptying. Take time to completely empty your bladder or bowel. (iii) To identify your pelvic floor muscles, imagine stopping the flow of urine and holding in wind at the same time. This can be done lying down, sitting or standing with legs about shoulder width apart.     



Relax the muscles of your thighs, bottom and tummy. Squeeze in the muscles around the front passage as if trying to stop the flow of urine. Squeeze in the muscles around the vagina and suck upwards inside the pelvic. Squeeze in the muscles around the back passage as if trying to stop passing wind. The muscles around the front and back passages should squeeze up and inside the pelvis. Identify the muscles that contract when you do all these things together. Then relax and loosen them.

Remember to breathe! Try holding the squeeze for up to 10 seconds, and ideally build up to 8-10 repetitions a day. It may take up to 2 weeks to get the correct technique and if you are still having difficulty, a GP or physiotherapist can help. Useful contacts include:  Continence Service (03) 6222 7303  National Continence Helpline 1800 33 00 66  http://www.pelvicfloorfirst.org.au/pages/pelvic floor-safe-exercises.html References:

(i) (ii) (iii)

http://www.pelvicfloorfirst.org.au/ http://www.pelvicfloorfirst.org.au/pages/the-pelvicfloor.html www.continence.org.au

Mentors in Violence Prevention is a program initiated in the US and offering a new approach for community members to actively, but safely, develop a leadership role in preventing violence in words and action. The MVP Training for Gender Violence Prevention and Education through Griffith University, was offered in Tasmania in 2014, and one of the HWHC team attended. The training was initiated in this State by the Hobart Women’s Shelter and supported by the Community Support Levy. HWHC and other providers will be rolling out a series of training sessions for community and workplace groups in 2015. If your community, workplace or any group of interested people, would like to know more about the program, contact Leanne on 6231 3212 or [email protected] What makes MVP unique?  It provides the context necessary to empower participants to be proactive;  It employs a discussion based approach to make the sessions dynamic and interactive;  It uses materials with realistic scenarios involving various forms of violence;  It involves both men and women in both mixed and single gender groups; and  It creates a safe space for participants to learn form one another. The Training Model MVP training sessions open dialogue about leadership, around issues such as verbal abuse, assault, sexual assault, fighting and bullying. The program strives to challenge participants to understand and embrace the necessity of their action, as leaders and proactive bystanders, when faced with violent situations. The highly interactive training sessions are utilised to develop concrete options for participants to employ during a range of school or social situations – ranging from the rather harmless-seeming to actual violence. http://www.griffith.edu.au/criminology-law/violenceresearch-prevention-program/training-development

2. Hobart Women’s Health Centre Newsletter Spring/Summer 2014/15

LEADING FEMINISTS Marilyn Beaumont has been a leader in the feminist movement, particularly in health. She says she lived and worked in her early years in a “hard way”. At times, campaigns have led to her being treated as a pariah.

Q. Is there one woman who you admire more than any other? And why?

Marilyn continues to use her lifelong learning, knowledge and influence in her work at a governance level in a number of organisations. She is currently the Australian Women’s Health Network National Board Chair, as well as serving on other Health Boards.

There hasn’t been just one woman but many, r a t h er than one individual. I was a working class girl and my early education was very basic, but I had a very inspiring woman teaching me English, my reading and love of words has come from that. Also, in nursing, I Marilyn Beaumont found mentors. Later, I worked at different times with the extraordinary Sharan Burrow and Joan Kirner. Jo Wainer is another woman I admire greatly. These are women with enormous stamina and the courage to be different. I find myself surrounded by such women now with the women in the women’s health network.

Q. When and how did you become involved in the feminist movement? What inspired you to become involved? Gradually. The first time issues of power and advocacy arose was when I was nursing. Surprisingly, the Florence Nightingale story - of how she broke through the military and social hierarchy to develop a new way of nursing was influential for me. Through nursing homeless people when most services were set up for men, I witnessed many difficulties for women. I met many women addicted to prescribed drugs. This was at a time when medical journal advertising profiled women who couldn’t cope with their difficult lives needing to be medicated, and this led to addiction. I moved to South Australia from Sydney, worked as a union Branch secretary for 5 years and learned more about politics and nursing, wage disparity and the lack of professional recognition. At this time, I was also involved in a network called Women in Unions and understood for myself the value of the big, supportive network of women in what was a largely male working environment. I found that S.A. was pivotal for me in my feminist thinking. At the tail end of the Don Dunstan Government, it was a time of strong women’s leadership. It was interesting to understand the different history of white settlement and law making in South Australia as the first state to grant women’s suffrage. I returned to study in the 1980s, at a time when the changes were occurring in nursing qualifications. The classes involved many women as mature age students. The reading and exchange of ideas and knowledge was inspiring.

Q. What do you consider to be the greatest achievement of the movement? I think the capacity for change. The women’s movement has been responsive to change, incorporating new things into the way we do business. Access to information is also a long term achievement, early in the women’s health movement there was little knowledge about women’s health and women were not encouraged to learn about their own bodies. We now share information and use new technologies to do so. We have the capacity to be open, politically and socially. We are not single issue or narrow tracked.

Q. What do you achievement to be?

consider

your

greatest

There is not a singular event. It is the things that have lasted over time and, although I often took a leadership role, these were always achieved with others. I am extraordinarily proud of my role in building strong and sustainable organisations. Particularly in bringing NSW and Queensland into the Australian Nursing Federation, which has been the catalyst for the strong organisation it is today. I was part of setting up HESTA and served on its first Board, it has become a sound and safe organisation with a predominately women membership.

continued over...

Hobart Women’s Health Centre Newsletter Spring/Summer 2014/15

3.

In creating healthy public policy and being effective in health promotion, removal of abortion from the Victorian Crimes Act and the recognition - as a critical public health issue - of the health impact of violence against women and their children are both areas I have been proud to be associated with in a leadership role. These were long hard pieces of work which have been built upon over the years.

Q. How would you respond to young women who question the value of feminism? In order to understand the present, you must understand the past. I would not say “Look what we have achieved” but would say “imagine a world without...”. Imagine if you didn’t have a vote, you couldn’t apply for a home loan, you had to leave your job if you married or became pregnant, or if rape were not a crime, or you couldn’t terminate a pregnancy arising in impossible circumstances for you to parent a child, or had no income as a single parent.

Q. How do you stay inspired in the face of lack of progress on issues for women, such as the disparity in pay rates or the level of violence against women? Knowing I am not alone helps. I’m also encouraged that we have moved on from just feminist voices talking about these issues. For example, mainstream organisations like the Australian Institute of Company Directors are providing constructive support to increase women’s representation on Boards. Others are recognising the need for wage parity. State and Commonwealth governments have active plans and funding directed to reducing violence against women. It is important to remember that - if an achievement is worthwhile – it will take a while. I have also learned that, to sustain the effort, you need to vary your actions and pick your times. Many of these issues have been around all my working life.

Q. Is there one message you would like to give young women about feminism? Open your mind to it. Join the clever, resilient and supportive network of women – that’s what it has been for me. And I would quote from a great woman who has gone before me – ‘well behaved women rarely change history’.

Join AWHN Australian Women’s Health Network stands up to advance women’s health and well-being. With our partners, we bring our expertise to influence policy and reform. www.awhn.org.au

ENCORE NEWS Encore is an eight-week program of two hours duration, specially designed for women who have had breast cancer. It helps restore mobility, flexibility and confidence through gentle exercise. The program provides trained facilitators, floor and warm water exercises and the opportunity for women to support one another. Encore programs are free to participants and designed for women who have had breast cancer at any time in their lives. Hobart The next Encore program will commence in February/March, 2015. Phone the Centre to enrol or for further details on 6231 3212. Launceston The next Encore program will commence in February/March, 2015. Contact Mandy via [email protected] for further details. North West The dates for the next Encore program will in February/March, 2015. Contact Kris on 0407 341 585 for further details.

Ageing Well with Weights Back by popular demand! The Centre has been offering the 8 week Ageing Well with Weights course on Monday mornings in recent weeks. We expect to offer courses during 2015. Currently, we are collecting names to gauge interest for the course. To register your interest and book please contact the Centre on 6231 3212 or via email to [email protected] Fees will apply to this course.

4. Hobart Women’s Health Centre Newsletter Spring/Summer 2014/15

Active Women Bushwalking

by Glynis Flower with Chris Wilson

Chris Wilson, the current president of the Pandani Bushwalking Club, has been bush walking all her life. She believes most club members share her love of the outdoors, the natural environment and walking. The club has grown over the years, because it has an informal and friendly approach and many long term friendships have been formed. The Pandani Bushwalking Club organises walks and activities in the Hobart and Southern Tasmania region and further afield, on weekends and weekdays all year round. The walks are graded from Easy to Hard and a new program is posted on their website every 3 months. Most people who join have a reasonable level of fitness, as the Easy walks are still 5 - 10kms but they are largely ‘on the flat’. As the grades increase, they take in more difficult terrain - the 4th grade can be up to 10 hours of walking. Experienced members lead the walks and you can discuss your level of fitness with them before you book into a group walk. The emphasis is on bushwalking, but there are also kayaking, cycling, mountain biking and photographic events held at various times of the year, as well as monthly social meetings. Many club members are keen bush photographers and an annual photographic competition/exhibition is held in September. The Tasmanian bush certainly provides great subject matter for these photographic artists and the Pandani website and Facebook are great showcases for their talents. To become a member, you can either simply join the Club, or go on two walks as a visitor. Chris says the age range is from mid 20s to mid 70s The Club holds monthly meetings on the first Thursday of every month (except January). These provide an opportunity to meet with other Club members, chat about recent and forthcoming Club trips, share photos and hear about the latest in gear. There are short sessions on bushwalking skills and other related topics, such as mountain biking, kayaking and bush photography, as well as presentations from guest speakers. There is also a range of other social events such as barbeques, picnics, movie nights and visits to restaurants arranged from time to time by Club members. The Club is now 20 years old! To commemorate this achievement a book, 'Twenty Years Down The Track', has been published documenting the origins and history of the Club, featuring descriptions of many of the

noteworthy walks and events during the years. Many spectacular photographs are also included. The book is sold in various book shops around Hobart. The Pandani Bushwalking Club sounds like a perfect way to actively enjoy beautiful Tasmania. This article is based largely on the Club’s website and for more information visit www.pandani.org.au/

Returning to Hobart after several years away from Tasmania, I needed to meet and make some new friends and contacts. Because I enjoy walking, I became a member of the Pandani Bushwalking club. The bushwalking club has covered all aspects of what I needed in enjoyment of the Tasmanian landscape. It has opened my mind to the appreciation of flowers, birdlife and animals, the many varieties of wild orchids, bushland and coastal scenery, together with the camaraderie of enjoying the company of others with the same interests. The Pandani Club and the Hobart Bushwalking Club have good strong leadership groups and both clubs have excellent weekly walks. I recommend the activity to everyone. Mabel Clarkson, Pandani Bushwalking Club member

Hobart Women’s Health Centre Newsletter Spring/Summer 2014/15

5.

W HAT ’ S O N

@ HWHC

The following group sessions and activities are held at the Centre on a regular basis some of which are free unless otherwise stated. We welcome referrals to any of these programs. Acupuncture

Mondays 9:30 - 11:30 am. Treatment sessions are held in a group of 6, in a warm comfortable environment fully clothed. Cost is a sliding scale of $17 to $35. To make an appointment contact Jackie Pisera on 0423 482 125. Last session for 2014 is December 15 and recommences on January 19, 2015.

AWWW Practice

Practice times on Mondays 12:10 to 1:10 pm and Wednesdays 2:30 to 4 pm. For participants who have completed the 8 week Ageing Well with Weights course. Last session for 2014 is December 17 and recommences on January 5, 2015.

Bowen Therapy (NST)

Every Wednesday at the Centre. $45 per session. To make an appointment contact Christine Toyama on 0417 363 108. Last session for 2014 is December 17 and recommences on January 7, 2015.

Breast Cancer Support Group

3rd Tuesday of the month 11:45 am - 1:15 pm. For any woman diagnosed with breast cancer who would like information and support. Last session for 2014 is December 16 (see page 9) and recommences on January 20, 2015.

Community Health Nurse

Tuesdays 11 am to 12:30 pm. Blood pressure, sugar level checks and lots more. Last session for 2014 is December 16 and recommences on January 6, 2015.

Feldenkrais Mindful Movement

Re-mastering Balance class commences on Thursday February 19, 2015 1:30 – 2:30pm. Breath and Voice class commences on Monday February 16, 2015 2 - 3pm. $12 per class. Please contact Wendy on 0447 120 688 or at [email protected] before joining the class.

Fitball Beginners’ Class

Tuesday 10 - 11:30 am. $5.50 per class with physiotherapist Gill Whitehouse. Come early to ensure a spot. Last session for 2014 is December 16 and recommences on January 6, 2015.

Herbalist

Mondays 2 - 4 pm, by appointment only. Cost is $30 for the 1st one hour consultation and $20 follow up appointment. To make an appointment, phone Sally on 0407 872 792. Last session for 2014 is December 15 and recommences on February 2, 2015.

Massage

Mondays from 10 am to 3:30 pm. $65 for 1 hour relaxation massage. To make an appointment please call Anna Minchin on 0429 016 667. Last session for 2014 is December 15 and recommences on January 5, 2015.

Meditation

Guided and safe relaxation meditation with Jean Gilbert. Tuesdays 10:30 - 11:30 am (beginners welcome). By donation. Last session for 2014 is December 9 & recommences on January 13, 2015.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ CFS and Fibromyalgia Support Group

1st Tuesday of the month 12 noon to 2 pm. A patient run support group open to people diagnosed with ME/CFS or Fibromyalgia and their carers. For more detail contact Lucy Corrigan on 0413 536 210. Last session for 2014 is December 2 and recommences on February 3, 2015.

Nurse Practitioner

Wednesdays and Thursdays 9:15 am to 12:30 pm. 30 minute bulk billed consultations with Lyn Fish by appointment. To book, ring the Centre on 6231 3212. Last session for 2014 is December 18 and recommences on January 21, 2015.

Pregnancy Exercise and Beyond

Exercise classes for pregnant women with instructor Julia Speirs. Monday evenings 5:45 – 6:45 pm. $11 per session. Contact Julia on 0412 345 777. Last session for 2014 is December 15 and recommences on February 2, 2015.

Tai Chi

Mondays 11 am - 12 pm. This is a low impact form of Tai Chi, which focuses on increasing mobility and flexibility, while developing inner strength and tranquility. By donation. Last session for 2014 is December 15 and recommences on February 9, 2015.

Tai Chi

From 7:30 - 8:30 am. Regular three week blocks starting on December 1, 2014, January 5 and February 2, 2015. Mon, Tues and Wed. $10 per week for one or all three sessions. Please call Vicki on 0427 902 220. continued over...

6. Hobart Women’s Health Centre Newsletter Spring/Summer 2014/15

Warped Wenches

3rd Saturday of each month, 10 am to 4 pm. A group of women who love to sew, and share an interest in all sorts of crafts. Contact Sue on 6272 8035. Recommences on January 17, 2015.

Waste to Wonderful

Textile skill sharing workshops. Second hand materials provided. Bring lunch to share. Children welcome. Last session for 2014 is December 19 and recommences on February 6, 2015.

Women’s Walks

Wednesday mornings, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm. The calendar is available at the Centre, or call to have one posted or emailed to you. Last session for 2014 is December 10 and recommences on January 21, 2015.

Writers’ Support Group 1st Wednesday of the month, 2 - 4 pm. New members welcome. Last session for 2014 is December 3 and recommences on February 4 2015. Yoga (Hatha)

Wednesday mornings, 9:45 - 11 am, for experienced participants and 11:15 am - 12:30 pm for beginners. $5.50 per session with Maddy. Come early to ensure a spot. Last session for 2014 is December 17 and recommences on February 4, 2015.

Come in for a cuppa, browse in our library or use the photocopier.

AGM Wrap Up by Glynis Flower th

On September 18 we welcomed twenty five members, workers, Board members and friends to our Annual General Meeting. This meeting is a necessary step for all incorporated Associations and new and returning members of the board were elected, financial and program reports were tabled and passed. However, we try to make a necessity into a social occasion and this year was no exception. We were pleased to have Leonie Dickson, a past Board member and friend of the Centre, offer the Aboriginal Welcome to Country - beginning the proceedings with a strong reminder of the past and present custodians of the land. Following the meeting, Emily Conalon from Tasmania Asylum Seeker Support, gave a short presentation. This volunteer group has been doing some extraordinary work with newly arrived asylum seekers and Emily is great advocate for their cause. The presentation sparked a lot of interest and several questions. Our meetings were over quickly, which left time to socialise over refreshments with many visitors catching up with old and new colleagues and sharing stories. Our Board now consists of eleven elected members and executive positions were filled unopposed. Executive Chair Ella Haddad Secretary/Public Officer Treasurer

Deidre Wilson Jade Barker

Returning to the Board Jamila Fontana Miriam Herzfeld Angela Lawler Naomi Rolf

New members Morven Andrews Heidi Jones Valery Kullrich Deb Siddall

Ella Haddad thanked the 2013 – 14 Board members for their work, especially those not continuing. After three years on the Board, Carol Hughes who served as Treasurer, resigned because of work commitments. She provided enormous support, skills and a great deal of time. Elida Meadows left the Board in February, to take up a National Board position adding further to her already busy life. Lizzie Drew stayed with us for one year, but chose to take her student placement with the Centre and therefore stood down. Beth Rees left the Board in June to give more time to her grandparent duties. All of these women have been generous supporters and have made an individual contribution to Hobart Women’s Health Centre and we hope they will all stay in touch. Hobart Women’s Health Centre is dependent upon the dedication of generous women who volunteer their time to govern the organisation. Additionally, of course, we presented our Annual Report marking a year of significant achievement. This document is distributed to members, partners and supporters. We also leave copies on the coffee table for women to read. Often women who use our services are familiar with one or two of our programs and activities but are surprised at the breadth of our work, both at the North Hobart site and across the State.

Hobart Women’s Health Centre Newsletter Spring/Summer 2014/15

7.

Diverse Women By Julie Taylor and Fiona Preston Fiona explained dementia is a term used to describe the symptoms of a large group of illnesses which cause a progressive decline in a person’s functioning, such as loss of memory, cognitive capability and physical functioning. There are many types of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, fronto temporal dementia and dementia with Lewy Bodies. Dementia can happen to anybody, although it is more common after the age of 65. In acknowledgement of the gap in services for those suffering from young onset dementia, Alzheimer’s Australia has just begun a new program to draw attention to the fact dementia can strike as early as one’s thirties. Fiona Preston

Fiona Preston is originally from East London, South Africa, and now lives in Hobart with her husband and their two dogs. She has one daughter, currently studying in Melbourne. When she was living in South Africa, Fiona completed a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology and English from Rhodes University, Grahamstown, did further study at the University of Cape Town and worked for a while in Johannesburg. On first migrating to Australia in 1982, Fiona worked as a camp cook for a diamond prospecting team in the Kimberleys. She then studied librarianship at the University of Tasmania and, over the ensuing years worked at Hellyer Regional Library (Burnie), the State Reference Library and a couple of local government libraries. Working for the Dept of Lands, Parks and Wildlife, she was able to visit Port Davey on an archaeological dig and the Furneaux Islands on a Cape Barren Goose monitoring exercise. Her favourite activity is sailing on the Derwent River (even in the rain). A few years ago, Fiona decided to renew her interest in psychology and embarked on further study while volunteering with several not-for-profit organisations. She graduated from the University of Tasmania in 2013 with a Postgraduate Diploma of Rehabilitation Counselling and has been able to practise this new skill with Alzheimer’s Australia. She points out the best way to look after your brain is to exercise, stay cognitively stimulated, socially active and eat sensibly. Setting yourself new challenges later in life (such as returning to study) is believed to build up cognitive reserve.

According to the Australia Bureau of Statistics, dementia - including Alzheimer’s disease - was the second leading cause of death in Australian women in 2012. Fiona stressed the importance of getting an early diagnosis and said Alzheimer's Australia Tas is a great organisation to turn to for support, counselling, information and education. They help people living with dementia, their families, their carers and health professionals working in this field and are interested in promoting dementia-friendly communities. To find out more visit www.alzheimers.org.au www.fightdementia.org.au/Tasmania.aspx National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500

DID YOU KNOW? In the last 6months HWHC delivered services to women from 48 different postcodes areas. 50% of women visiting the HWHC site are concession card holders.

SAVINGS Do you receive our Newsletter by post? If you have an email address, we can send the Newsletter to, please get in touch via email [email protected] or on 6231 3212. Help us to save money and paper.

8. Hobart Women’s Health Centre Newsletter Spring/Summer 2014/15

Feldenkrais Mindful Movement with feldenkrais® awareness through movement® lessons

Re-Mastering Balance Series Improve your balance and rediscover the joy of moving easily, and finding comfort within yourself. Classes commence on Thursday February 19 at 1:30 - 2:30 pm. The cost will be $12 per session (or by agreement).

Breath and Voice Calling all Choristers, A Cappella singers Yoginis, Meditators and those of you who just want to reduce tension and stress in your body. Support your body and your voice for ease and joy in singing. Using the unique Feldenkrais approach to learning through movement, you will develop freedom, adaptability and power in your breath and its connection to voice. Join us for this 8 week series of Awareness Through Movement sessions, beginning on Monday February 16, at 2 - 3 pm. The cost will be $12 per session or $85 for the series. Bookings are essential as places are limited. Please contact Wendy on 0447 120 688 or [email protected] before joining the class.

Pink Sisters – Tassie

Breast Cancer Support Group

We are a group of Breast Cancer Survivors who meet once a month for a coffee and a catch up. We aim to meet the first Sunday of each month in a central location.

For any woman diagnosed with breast cancer who would like information and support. 3rd Tuesday of the month from

There are two ways to stay informed about meetings, catch ups, events and information.

11:45 am - 1:15 pm The next meeting dates are: November 18 Group discussion December 16 End of year luncheon

January 20 February 17

Wrest Point Casino Coffee Shop at 12.30 pm If you would like to attend RSVP to Gail Shorthouse on 6244 1339 by 1st December. Leave a message with your name and your acceptance on the answering machine Group discussion Group discussion

Please phone the Centre on 6231 3212 for more information.

Join the Facebook group by typing in Pink Sisters – Tassie into the search bar of Facebook or type in https://www.facebook.com./ groups/276941099119407 into your internet search bar. The content on the page is only visible to members. Or you are welcome to join the email list [email protected] to receive event invites and reminders. Email the address with the word Join, and you will be added to the list. Feel free to join both the email list and the Facebook group if you like.

Hobart Women’s Health Centre Newsletter Spring/Summer 2014/15

9.

Balance your Hormones to Balance your Life. by Christine Toyama NST Bowen Therapist, Naturopath, Nutritionist and Emmett Therapist We all know women’s health (and men’s) is greatly influenced by our hormones. Hormones control many automatic bodily functions, but also play a huge role in helping to control how we feel emotionally and physically – and therefore influence how we behave and relate to our families and friends. The two main types of hormones influencing women’s health are stress hormones and sex hormones. It’s not hard to see how an imbalance can have an overwhelming effect, emotionally and physically, and we can be caught up in a loop of pain, depression and irritability. Hormones help regulate the contraction of smooth and cardiac muscle fibres and secretions by glands. So, if our muscles become tight through stress or injury, this will have a negative effect on our hormonal system and thus on the way we feel. A balanced hormonal system is essential for a happier disposition – which may lead to healthier menstrual cycles, a happy sex life, lots of energy, deep sleep, healthier hearts, stronger bones, healthier immune and reproductive systems. Hormonal Bowen, combined with NST Advanced Bowen, may restore balance by relaxing tight muscles and stimulating hormonal glands. NST Bowen is a structural and spinal therapy intended for lasting pain removal and rejuvenating that, in conjunction with Hormonal Bowen, may bring lasting relief for many women’s hormonal symptoms and other muscular problems.

Bowen is safe to use on anyone, from the newborn to the elderly, and on any condition from sports injuries to chronic complaints and pain. I have been practising Bowen Therapy for over 20 years and still love its simplicity, effectiveness and its suitability for all ages and conditions. A treatment is done through a layer of clothes and takes 45 minutes. The health of women and children is a priority, as I am a firm believer in the idea that women play a central role in a family’s health and wellbeing. As a Naturopath, I can also help with advice on nutrition and lifestyle, areas in which I am also very passionate. Please contact me for more information on 0417 363 108. References: 1. Dr. Claudia Welch, “Balance Your Hormones, Balance Your Life” 2. Dr. Susan Evans, “Endometriosis and Other Pelvic Pain” 3. Christine Northrup, M.D, “Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom” 4. Dr. Mark Atkinson, “Holistic Health Secrets for Women” 5. Professor David Peters, “Family Guide to Complimentary and Conventional Medicine”

White Ribbon Day White Ribbon is Australia’s only national, male led Campaign to end men’s violence against women.

Bowen Therapy had its beginnings in Geelong, Australia, where Tom Bowen developed it over his lifetime. Its effectiveness in treating numerous conditions has lead to it being taught and practised all over the world. It has also grown in complexity, allowing speciality such as Hormonal Bowen, one of the latest developments.

White Ribbon Australia observes the International Day of the Elimination of Violence against Women, also known as White Ribbon Day, annually on November 25. White Ribbon Day signals the start of the 16 Days of Activism to Stop Violence against Women, which ends on Human Rights Day (December 10).

Tom Bowen believed the underlying source of many musculoskeletal, neurological, neuromuscular and other health problems could be found in the soft tissue or fascia. Fascia embraces all nerves, bones, arteries, veins and muscles. Fascial dysfunction can affect every structure, muscle, nerve and organ in the body.

To mark White Ribbon Day a Notice of Motion will be moved in State Parliament on November 25 by the Premier. On November 27, the three party leaders as well as other Members of Parliament will make statements in support for the Motion. A joint invitation to attend this historical occasion has been sent out by Jacquie Petrusma MP, Lara Giddings MP and Cassy O’Connor MP.

Bowen Therapy – through specific soft tissue or fascial release techniques, mostly via cross fibre muscle – aims to enable the body itself to correct fascial dysfunction and restore homeostasis on a holistic level. Through treating the cause, not just the symptoms, Bowen has shown it can produce profound, permanent healing and pain relief.

To hear in person what our representatives in Parliament have to say on this important issue you can attend the Public Gallery of the House of Assembly Chamber between 2:30 - 3:30pm on November 27.

10. Hobart Women’s Health Centre Newsletter Spring/Summer 2014/15

WOMEN’S WISDOM LIBRARY Eat to Cheat Ageing What you eat helps make 60 ‘the new 50’ and 80 ‘the new 70’ by Ngaire Hobbins Ngaire Hobbins is a Tasmanian Dietician, specialising in geriatrics and aged care nutrition. As the author of this book, she brings extensive experience as a consultant to the food industry, as well as clinical dietetics. In recent years, she has been specialising in the unique nutritional needs of our ageing population. This book, for seniors aged 60 plus, explains what to eat and do to continue to live vital, independent lives into later years. The familiar message, of the importance of good nutrition and exercise as we age, has a new focus. Many of the accepted ways of eating that work for younger people are no longer appropriate for the ageing, and, in fact, nutritional requirements become greater at a time when often appetites get smaller, and absorption of nutrients gets less efficient.

At least 50% of the elderly living in care homes have some form of malnutrition. Many doctors are not trained to look at patient nutrition, so preventable diseases are allowed to go untreated. The book explains the impact of commonly used medications and vitamin deficiencies. For example, deficiencies of Folate, Vit B12 and Vitamin D are common in the aging and can cause symptoms that can lead to heart and cognitive problems, depression, fatigue and loss of balance. The book has chapters on nutrients to cheat ageing, supplements, diabetes management, diet and surgery, as well as suggested eating plans. This user-friendly resource book is recommended reading for anyone in this age group, with aging parents or elders in their care. Petula Broad

Hobbins maintains that staying healthy lies mostly with retaining our muscles. Muscle does a lot more than many people know, including maintaining body organs, helping us avoid Type 2 diabetes and keeping the brain and heart healthy. When young it is easy to build muscle with the right exercise, but after about 60 years of age, hormone and nerve building of muscles has ceased, meaning the only way to maintain the muscle you do have is to work them. Nutritionally, increasing protein - which builds and repairs muscle - is recommended. Many women will be relieved to learn that carrying a bit of extra weight at this life stage increases longevity, and this is no time to start dieting or celebrating weight loss. Hobart Women’s Health Centre Newsletter Spring/Summer 2014/15

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INTRODUCING . . . My name is Miriam Herzfeld. I live in Margate with my family – Mike and Tibby. I joined the Board in 2013. My background is in public and environmental health and health promotion. I’ve worked for local and state governments in SA, WA and Tasmania, in the non-government sector and for the University of Tasmania. I currently work for myself, consulting in areas related to health. I joined the Board because I wanted to support the work of the HWHC. The Centre employs a social determinants of health framework – an approach which is close to my heart. Speaking up about how our health is affected by the systems and situations created by people (hence the word ‘social’ determinants), is something I am passionate about. I was very grateful to the staff of the HWHC who contributed to some action sheets on social determinants of health I worked on – one of which looked at the topic of Sexuality, Sex and Gender Identity.

Miriam Herzfeld

Women’s health is important to me on a personal level, as well as at a community and global level. I am deeply saddened by the struggles too many women face all over the world – most of which are socially, culturally, religiously and economically driven. I also share a deep empathy for people affected by mental ill health. I look forward to my continued involvement with the HWHC and meeting many of its members and participants along the way.

HOLIDAY CLOSING DATES. . . The Centre will be closed from 4pm on Thursday December 18 and will reopen at 9:15am on Monday January 5, 2015. All the staff at the Centre would like to wish everyone a very happy and safe holiday season.

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CONTRIBUTIONS. . . Contributions from readers are very welcome. To be considered for inclusion, all contributions must be received by the following deadline: Autumn Edition: January 29, 2015 (newsletter distributed at the end of February 2015)

. . .GETTING IN TOUCH Open: Mon, Tues, Wed & Thurs 9:15 am to 4 pm Visit: 25 Lefroy Street North Hobart Post: PO Box 248 North Hobart Tas 7002 Tel: 03 6231 3212 Women’s Health Information Line, freecall 1800 675 028 Fax: 03 6236 9449 Email: [email protected] Website: www.hwhc.com.au HWHC gratefully acknowledges the funding support of the Tasmanian Government through the Department of Health and Human Services.