BreastScreen Victoria celebrated Women's Health Week from September 7-11. This year BreastScreen Victoria became a Community Partner with Women's Health Week through Jean Hailes Women's Health, the trusted national women's health organisation.
Partnering with Jean Hailes Women's Health is a great way to show our commitment to women in our community by being actively involved with Australia's largest campaign focusing on good health and wellbeing for women. Through this partnership, we hope to reach new networks and markets with significant and direct exposure to women.
Here are the highlights of Women's Health Week.
Ambassadors share their thoughts on women's health
We asked some of our wonderful Ambassadors to share their thoughts about women's health. We shared their messages across our social media channels and the BreastScreen Victoria website during Women's Health Week.
Maryann screens at our Rose Clinic in Melbourne. "My message ahead of Women's Health Week is to take care of your body and mind, exercise, eat a well-balanced diet, and make use of services such as Breastscreen Victoria."
Kylie screens at our Heidelberg clinic. "Many people tend to prioritise others and put their own health to one side," she said. "Looking after yourself is the greatest gift you can give those you love by being there for them physically, mentally and emotionally."
Lena screens at Maroondah. "Ahead of Women's Health Week, I would urge others to take care and find time to have check-ups, especially breast screens," Lena said. "They are not painful; you may be a little uncomfortable, but it is minimal."
State Radiographer Sue MacCauley featured
Women's Health Week News featured our State Radiographer Sue MacCauley. It's an engaging story on the importance of regular health checks and dealing with the challenges of COVID-19.
Video messages promote breast screening
Maroondah Program Manager Michelle Clemson appeared in a video for Maroondah Hospital to remind women to look after themselves. She urged women to be breast aware and keep up with their screening appointments.
Watch the video on Maroondah Hospital's Facebook Page.
Jenny Morrison, the wife of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, encouraged women to get up to date with their health checks. "Your health is so important to you and those around you," she said. She reminded viewers that health checks don't have to stop because of COVID-19 and that, even if you're in lockdown, you can leave home for a medical test.
Watch Jenny Morrison’s message for Women’s Health Week 2020 on Vimeo.
Facebook Live with ABC Radio Melbourne
BreastScreen Victoria cross-posted two Facebook Live streams. ABC Radio Melbourne's Libbi Gorr presented a special two-part live streaming event focusing on women's health and wellbeing.
Part 1: The Mental Load aired on Sunday, 6 September. It focused on how you can maintain and support health and wellness when you feel overwhelmed. Part 2: The Private Parts aired Wednesday, 9 September. This program focused on a woman's most private thoughts, fears and experiences.
If you missed the live streams, you can still watch them on ABC Radio Melbourne or on our Facebook Page.
The Langham Hotel Giveaway
To encourage women to book their breast screen, from 1 July – 11 September, BreastScreen Victoria offered the added incentive of a luxurious night's accommodation at The Langham Melbourne for one lucky client. To go into the drawing, clients mentioned 'Jean Hailes' when making a booking. This prize will be awarded to the lucky winner on 12 October 2020 and will be available when restrictions allow.
Women's Health Week may be over, but looking after your health is a year-round event.