You can learn more about the world of women’s health at a free forum called “Women’s Health: What Men Should Also Know” on Thursday, May 9 from 6.30pm-8.30pm.
It will be presented by community group Healthy Living Toongabbie (HLT) which was formed four years ago - in collaboration with Western Sydney Diabetes - by a group of passionate Toongabbie health professionals, businesspeople and residents concerned at the high number of people in their community with Type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes.
The group is dedicated to educating the community about diabetes, pre-diabetes and healthier food options and lifestyle.
Type 2 diabetes is a condition where a person either becomes resistant to insulin or their pancreas is no longer able to produce enough insulin to counteract the food eaten.
If untreated, high glucose levels can damage blood vessels and nerves, resulting in long term health complications including heart, kidney, eye and foot damage.
This year the group’s main focus is also on women’s health.
According to the World Health Organisation, non-communicable diseases are a leading cause of death for women, accounting for three out of every four fatalities each year.
About 56 per cent of Australian females have one or more of the 10 selected chronic conditions.
HLT President Dr Mani Manoharan, an endocrinologist at Liverpool Hospital, said this includes diabetes, osteoporosis, chronic kidney disease, heart disease, stroke and vascular disease.
“This is where men should be aware of women’s risks and their vulnerable stages in order to assist them to access health care,” Dr Manoharan said.
Dr Manoharan will be presenting a talk on the night called “Post-delivery weight gain: Cardiovascular impact and tips for weight loss”.
She said obesity in women, especially during pregnancy, contributed health risks to themselves and their children. “This then amplifies health inequities across generations,” she said.
Other experts presenting include Kidspsych psychologist Poonkulali Govintharajah who will discuss “Women and Mental Health: Vulnerable Stages and Prevention Strategies”; and Dr Danendran Krishnan, Liverpool Hospital obstetrician and gynecologist, who will present “Menopause: Myths about the Hormone”.
The Western Sydney Diabetes (WSD) initiative is led by Western Sydney Local Health District and Western Sydney Primary Health Network (WentWest) to address the Western Sydney diabetes hotspot.
The forum will be held at Toongabbie Sports Club, 12 Station Road, Toongabbie from 6.30pm to 8pm. To register go to: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/womens-health-what-men-should-also-know-tickets-877138584117 or for more information visit www.healthylivingtoongabbie.org
FUN FACTS
• There are 13.26 million males and 13.44 million females in Australia.
• The percentage of the female population is 50.33% compared to 49.67% men. Australia has 178k more females than males.
• The Sex Ratio in Australia in 2024 is 98.67 males per 100 females.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
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