There are a range of health issues that are a special concern for women and often it is a case of not knowing enough about what life-style choices are most appropriate or what support is available for good health.
Women’s Health Week along with many of its partners and specialist clinics like Sandgate Physical Health Clinic provide specific programs and resources that are available to help get women’s health back on track.
Women’s Health Week 7-11 Sept 2020
We know when it comes to health, many women are great at caring for others, but often put themselves last. Another factor that often hinders women’s health, is being too caught up in a busy life to be aware of risks or doing what you know is the best for you. Women’s Health Week is a week dedicated to all women across Australia to make good health a priority. Women’s Health Week is all centred on improving women’s health and helping you to make healthier choices.
In 2020, more so than ever women’s health needs to be highlighted. This is because COVID-19 and summer bushfires have caused a significant disruption to many people’s health routines, as well as a reluctance for people to schedule health appointments during isolation. The 2020 campaign is an important and timely reminder to women about the importance of their health and the need for regular health checks.
Common Health Concerns
Throughout a woman’s life she endures many changes to her body. The female body is an amazing and powerful vessel that is built to withstand the miracles of reproduction and childbirth plus the ups and downs of hormones and other changes along the way. It has been built tough but like all hard-working machines it still can break down and it still relies on being looked after and receiving regular maintenance. It’s important to note that if you are experiencing a change in your body, you probably are not alone. Women all over Australia are being treated for a similar health condition.
Some of the common Women’s health issues we treat include:
- Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction
- Urinary incontinence
- Overactive bladder
- Prolapse (bladder, bowel and/or uterus)
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Vulvodynia/Vaginismus
- Pelvic Pain/Pudendal Neuralgia
- Bowel Issues (incontinence or constipation)
Staying Healthy
Plenty of water, a healthy diet and regular exercise are the foundations for staying healthy. This means that if you are limited in your abilities to achieve this, it might be time to seek professional advice to help get you on track.
Here are 5 motivational strategies for staying healthy.
Be Kind To Yourself
We all have moments that don’t go according to plan, like learning to ride a bike – we are prone to falling off. Get back up and try again, remind yourself of what you want to achieve and that you will get there.
Book-End Your Day With Healthy Habits
Try to start each day with a healthy habit to set yourself up for the day, and finish your day with a healthy habit to end the day on a ‘healthy high’. For example this could be 10 minutes of movement in the morning and ‘unplugging’ (turning off your phone and TV) an hour before bed.
Treat Special Occasions Around Food Like A Fancy Dress
It’s great to dress up and have some fun for special occasions or events – that’s what it’s all about! Although after that special event, we put back on our regular clothes and keep going about our life. Getting back into routine isn’t always as simple as changing back into our normal clothes, but looking at it this way can really help with perspective. And yes, it’s fine to dress up and celebrate every now and then.
Be Aware Of Your Thoughts
Be aware of your thoughts and reframe them if you need to. For example: “I’m too tired to walk this evening.” Change this to: “Even though I’m tired, I am going to do five minutes of walking because some is better than none and it will make me feel …. ”
Remember Even Small Changes Make A Big Difference
Often when we’re setting ourselves a goal to make a healthy change, we think big. There is nothing wrong with this, but we should be careful not to fall into the trap of a goal being too difficult to achieve and then losing motivation if we don’t succeed. Break your goal into small steps so you can focus on things you have the power to change – no matter how small they are!
Women’s Health For Queenslanders
Time for a health check? This resource might be helpful for you. My health for life is a free program supporting Queenslanders to achieve their health goals. Funded by the Queensland Government, it was developed by an alliance of health organisations to help people achieve and enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
How Physio, Pilates and Massage Can Help!
Women’s Health Physiotherapy
If you are concerned about your health and the impact it is having on your ability to stay healthy there are specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapists that can help. Pelvic Health Physiotherapists have undergone specific training in assessing and treating a wide variety of pelvic health conditions including incontinence, overactive bladder syndrome, pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse, bowel dysfunction, pre & postnatal care including mastitis, pelvic pain and post-surgical recovery.
At Sandgate Physical Health Clinic, we have our very own Physiotherapist, Jessica, who has a special interest in treating continence, pelvic and women’s health-related issues.
Pilates
Clinical Physiotherapy is ideal for those recovering from recent injuries, surgery or pregnancy or those who have specific functional impairments or weaknesses that may be stopping them from participating in their desired social or sporting activities.
Some of the health benefits of Pilates include:
- Increased muscle strength and tone, particularly of your abdominal muscles, lower back, hips and buttocks (the ‘core muscles’ of your body)
- Enhanced muscular control of your back and limbs
- Increased lung capacity and circulation through deep breathing
- Improved concentration
- Increased body awareness
- Stress management and relaxation
Read more about the Amazing Benefits of Pilates.
Massage
Massage is not just about self-indulgence and pampering. One of the immediate benefits of massage is a feeling of deep relaxation and calm. This occurs because massage prompts the release of endorphins – the brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that produce feelings of wellbeing.
Levels of stress hormones, such as adrenalin, cortisol and norepinephrine, are also reduced. Studies indicate that high levels of stress hormones impair the immune system. Women’s health is all about taking positive and proactive steps to being healthy in mind and body and this is where massage can benefit.
Some of the physical benefits of massage include:
- Reduced muscle tension
- Improved circulation
- Stimulation of the lymphatic system
- Reduction of stress hormones
- Relaxation
- Increased joint mobility and flexibility
- Improved skin tone
- Improved recovery of soft tissue injuries
- Heightened mental alertness
- Reduced anxiety and depression
Find out more about our services or you can make an appointment with one of our pelvic health physiotherapists, specialist massage therapists or book into a pilates class here.