By Belinda Nolan
DEPRESSION, heart disease and diabetes are among the most significant health issues facing Brimbank women.
Alarmingly, domestic violence and breast cancer are also emerging as key health concerns.
These issues are among a range of topics that will be discussed at an upcoming women’s health forum this month.
The Rotary Club of Keilor is organising the event to promote the health and wellbeing of local women.
Victoria University Professor Lily Stojanovska told Star the western suburbs faced a unique set of health challenges due to a culturally diverse and disadvantaged population.
Prof Stojanovska said women in particular tended to neglect their health due to the stresses of modern living.
“They never put themselves first, and are always juggling family and work duties,” she said.
“Their hectic schedules don’t leave much time for exercise and eating healthily.”
Prof Stojanovska said the forum aimed to promote awareness among women of key health issues in a bid to turn around the trends.
“Studies show that people living in the western region are 4-6 per cent more likely to develop cardiovascular disease and diabetes than in other parts of Melbourne,” she said.
“At the end of the day, a lot of it boils down to education.”
Prof Stojanovska said health information should be made available in different languages to cater to Brimbank’s CALD communities.
Prof Stojanovska will be one of the keynote speakers at the forum, which will be held at the Errington Community Centre on 28 August.
The forum is part of Rotary’s Step up for Women’s Health project, which will also feature a Women’s Health Expo at the Keilor Village Market on 4 September.
Rotary Club of Keilor president Norm Draper said the club was proud to support the project.
