‘Women’s Health Matters’

Women’s health is in the spotlight at an event in Ararat next month.

East Grampians Health Service, in collaboration with Ararat Rotary Club and Ararat Rural City Council, invite women from across the Ararat region to the ‘Women’s Health Matters’ morning tea and information session on Monday, September 5.

The event runs from 10am to noon at Alexandra Oval Community Centre.

Professor Cassandra Szoeke, director of Melbourne University’s ‘Healthy Ageing Program’, is special guest speaker.

A professor of medicine, doctor, scientist and clinical researcher, Professor Szoeke is an expert in women’s health and the publisher of hundreds of academic and clinical publications.

She will speak about the research-based approach to ageing well. Her book, ‘Secrets of Women’s Healthy Ageing’, draws on the findings of a unique study that has focused on the health of more than 400 women in their mid-tolate lives.

Across the past 30 years, a team of international investigators has compiled a remarkable amount of data, aiming to raise awareness of modifiable risk factors in women’s health. Their findings cover brain, heart and gut health, diet, sleep, exercise, and the benefits of socialising. But importantly, they highlight how the results relate directly to women’s wellbeing.

Those in attendance will also hear from East Grampians Health Service registered nurse and diabetes educator Breeanne Fratin and accredited exercise physiologist Samuel Padarcic.

Health promotion officer Gabrielle Hutchins said Women’s Health Matters would be a wonderful forum for women across the Ararat region to come together to hear from experts in their field on healthy ageing.

“We encourage women of all ages to register for the event as we are sure the information provided by our guest speakers will benefit women of all life stages,” she said.

To register for the free event, which includes morning tea, visit website www.trybooking.com/ CBPLL or phone the health service’s community health centre on 5352 9327.

Wimmera police will enforce new firearm storage requirements from next week.

Wimmera Superintendent Ian Milner called on people to learn about the new requirements before they come into play on August 30.

He said firearms must be stored in a purpose-built, steel storage receptacle. The steel must be a thickness of 1.6mm. If the receptacle weighs less than 150 kilograms when empty, it must be bolted to the structure of the premises. When firearms are stored, the receptacle must be locked with a lock of ‘sturdy construction’. Ammunition should be stored separately. Superintendent Milner said many people might already comply with the changes ahead of time.

“Previously we have seen some cases of wooden cupboards or gym lockers as storage receptables for firearms” he said.

The changes apply to current firearm owners, people who are newly licensed or applying for a licence, or people who plan to buy or get a firearm.