"It's health that is real wealth,
Not pieces of gold and silver".
We're all about celebrating the sisterhood here at Self Love Lounge and March is a big month for doing just that, but it is also a time to sit and reflect on how well we look after ourselves and have the hard conversations about women's health.
Women’s health can be a fickle and complicated thing.
It's uncomfortable, exposing and often hard to diagnose.
If you're unsure of where to start, here are some health checks you need to book in now, if not to save your life, then for the piece of mind and knowledge that you've done something good for your health !
Breasts are often lumpy and bumpy, make sure you're regularly self examining and booking in for regular breast screenings, don't wait until you feel a lump.
Painful periods are not normal, book in with your gyno and get it checked out.
If you haven't had a papsmear in a while, stop putting it off. Just make the call.
Regular cervical screenings are vitally important, just ask Morgan.
Relationship or not, regular sexual health tests are important.
Our skin changes over time with age and sun exposure, make sure you're regularly checking your freckles and moles for changes in color or size, better yet, book in with a professional and get your skin checked.
If you've noticed a change in your toilet habits, book in to get your bowel tested, it's better to be safe than sorry!
Although the rate of heart disease is lower in the female population, get it checked, especially if you're genetically predisposed.
If you're prone to migraines or squinting, get your eyes tested.
If you've recently had a bub and have been caught up in the baby bubble and not taking care of mum, book in and get checked out. You can't look after baby if you don't look after yourself first!
Now we've got the unpleasantries out of the way, let's move on to the celebrating!
March is Endometriosis month, it’s time to shed light on one of the most wide spread, misunderstood and misdiagnosed conditions that Australia women face.
If you’re unfamiliar with what Endo is or how it presents in the body, here are some facts to help you get a better understanding:
Endometriosis is a chronic condition that affects approximately 1 in 9 (or 700,00) Australian women.
It causes the lining of the uterus to attach to and appear in other tissue within the body (including the cervix, fallopian tubes, bladder and stomach).
On average it takes between 7-12 years for Endometriosis to be diagnosed
Endometriosis can only be formally diagnosed through surgery.
It can occur at any age.
Severity of Pain is not an indication of severity of illness.
Period pain that affects your everyday life is not normal.
It can impact fertility.
Pregnancy is not a cure.
There is no definitive cause.
Endo is an invisible, often isolating condition.
Endometriosis cannot be cured, it can only be treated.
So how can we support our Endo Warrior Sisters this month ?
Why not consider getting a group of gals together and hold an EndoMarch High Tea and donate the funds to Endo research, Volunteer for Endometriosis Australia, or better yet, support and listen to your Endo friends, it's painful and can be lonely, a cuddle, cup of tea or pamper pack will go a long way!
One of our favorite podcast about womans health is-
Let’s Talk, Period- The podcast for people want real talk, raw stories and reputable information, where we smash taboos and break down stigmas when it comes to your health and wellbeing! Hosted by Isabella Gosling, she dives into all things periods, reproductive health, sexual health, wellness and chats with thought leaders within the health space. LISTEN HERE
Mark March 8th in your calendar, it’s International Women’s Day.
International Women’s Day in a global event celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and calls to action gender parity.
International Women’s Day is one of the most important days of the year to:
Celebrate women’s achievements
Raise awareness about women’s equality
Fundraise for female focused charities
Each year International Women’s Day follows a theme (who doesn’t love a theme) and 2023 is the year of the #EmbraceEquity campaign. The aim is to get the world talking about Why equal opportunities aren't enough. People start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action.
To celebrate International Women’s Day why not rock pink outfit in solidarity, host an event and donate proceeds to a women friendly charity, donate clothes and toiletries to women’s shelters or donate your time and volunteer.
Join us for Australia's largest International Women's Day celebration.
This year, the International Women's Day Fun Run, presented by National Storage, will see a beautiful course and venue have lots of space to offer you a fun and enjoyable event. A beautiful 5 km course that starts at South Brisbane and finishes at the City Botanic Gardens. The course and venues have been designed to provide the best experience for all of us as a participants, whether we walk, jog or run.
This event in Brisbane City is sold out but you go on the waitlist for 2024 or do your own 5km walk around your suburb. Follow us as we complete the track on Sunday 12th March over on Instagram.
International Transgender Day of Visibility is an annual event dedicated to celebrating transgender and their contributions to society, as well as raising awareness and working to stop the discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide.
Equality Australia is an amazing organization that works to educate, advocate and improve the wellbeing of Transgender and gender non conforming people by :
· Working to relieve distress and societal disadvantage
· Reducing the prevalence and effects of depression, suicide, anxiety and homelessness within the trans community
· Addressing and reducing stigma and discrimination
· Advancing and promoting equality and inclusion
· Working to create a stronger sense of safety, security and acceptance within the wider community
To show your support for International Transgender Day of Visibility, celebrate trans pride by displaying signage or the trans flag and indicate that you are creating and holding a safe space for our trans friends, create change and inclusion within your community, social group or workplace, donate to a trans friendly charity, volunteer or gather people together in support of International Transgender Day of Visibility and Transgender rights.
Want to share a woman's win this month ?
Looking for connection and a sense of community?
Join our Self Love Community Facebook Group for more inspiration and self-care tips, we look forward to seeing you in there, or in clinic soon
The Self Love Lounge Team x
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