Focus on women’s health

Twenty Boggabri women attended a very informative and sometimes comical presentation on women’s health held at the Boggabri RSL club on Wednesday morning.

Presentations were made by Margie Burns, Alvin Hill, Belinda Hood and Carla Twigg.

Margie Burns, women’s health nurse from Narrabri, spoke on the history and importance of cervical screening and cervical health.

Cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates have halved in Australia since the introduction of the National Cervical Screening Program in 1991.

This program offered a free pap test every two years to women between the ages 18 and 70.

Several changes came into effect as of December 2017 with the introduction of a vaccine against specific strains of the human papillomavirus.

Women aged 25 to 74 years of age should have a screening test two years after their last pap test.

The reason the age has changed from 18 to 25 for your first screening is that most women under 25 will have been vaccinated and in addition, cervical cancer in women under 25 is rare.

Mrs Burns also spoke about procedures, processes and the methods that are used to ensure all women feel comfortable when having a pap smear.

Alvin Hill, continence and diabetic educator for NSW Health, never fails to deliver her very important message for women of all ages on continence, which includes bladder, bowel and pelvic floor information.

Mrs Hill explained how the bladder works, how the brain controls the bladder by sending messages through the nerves in your spinal cord.

In Australia one in three women, one in 10 men and one in five children have a bladder control problem.

In many cases incontinence can be prevented, better managed and even cured.

Mrs Hill encouraged everyone to drink adequate fluids, preferably water, eat well, lead a healthy lifestyle, keep active, practice good toilet habits and do your pelvic floor exercises regularly.

Belinda Hood, marketing manager for Breast Screen, spoke on the history of the breast screen bus which visits Boggabri, Narrabri and other local towns.

October is breast cancer awareness month and a breast screening mammogram is the most effective way to find breast cancer early.

Early detection means more treatment options and a better chance of survival.

One in seven women in NSW will develop breast cancer and a 20-minute appointment every two years can make all the difference.

The breast screen bus is in Narrabri at present and will be in Boggabri in a couple of weeks prior to moving on to Bingara.

Mrs Hood had a block of appointments available for those who had not yet made their appointments.

Carla Twigg is the primary health care nurse for Healthwise in Narrabri and was the driving force behind the day. Carla also conducted blood pressure and blood sugar checks.