MIDLIFE is increasingly known as a time of change, and the time to change, for both women and men.
Called menopause in women, the male version also has a name: endropause.
It’s that time of life when men need regular check-ups for prostate and testicular cancers, just as women over 50 need regular pap tests and breast cancer checks.
A free public seminar organised by the Women’s Wellness in the West network will give women and men the chance to become better informed.
Women from non-English-speaking backgrounds are being especially encouraged to attend. They are the very people who need relevant health and nutritional information most, according to Victoria University’s Professor Lily Stojanovska.
Ms Stojanovska, who started the network’s health seminar series six years ago, says the primary message she continually repeats is that most health problems are dietary based. “I try to increase awareness that food is not simply about shopping, it’s about nutrition,” Ms Stojanovska says. “It’s about nourishing the body with the right nutrients that are adequate for our age and gender. These are big factors. If you’re 60, 70 or 100, there are different parameters for the food you need.”
She says that despite the primary, secondary and tertiary health care available in the west, many women are disadvantaged in gaining health care access and information because they are isolated, face cultural and linguistic challenges, have disabilities and inadequate support, or are from low socioeconomic backgrounds.
The Menopause and Midlife seminar on Tuesday, December 4, will also feature other speakers of international renown: Dr Elizabeth Farrell, a consultant gynaecologist and one of the driving forces behind the Jean Hailes Foundation; and Dr Alice Murkies, a medical researcher and GP at the Brighton Medical Clinic.
Dr Farrell, recognised worldwide for her expertise in menopause management, will update current thinking and knowledge, while Dr Murkies will speak on the topic of ‘Mindfulness at Menopause’.
The seminar, at Victoria University Convention Centre, 460 Ballarat Road, Sunshine, is from 6pm. RSVP by today on 0419 599 916.
