There are lots of ways of being healthy that feel good as well as doing you good
INFORMATION DEVELOPED FOR ACT WOMEN
Women’s Health Matters has developed the following information resources for ACT women.
There are lots of ways of being healthy that feel good as well as doing you good
A healthy lifestyle is important for everyone. When we look after our physical health, we feel better too—fitter, more relaxed and better able to cope with things.
Healthy living means maintaining a healthy lifestyle and introducing habits that improve your health. It can be difficult to change old habits, but there are steps you can take to become healthier.
An important first step is identifying less healthy habits and learning new, positive ones to replace them, such as: being aware of what you eat and drink; sleeping well and managing stress; practicing safe sex; drinking alcohol responsibly; and not abusing drugs or engaging in addictive behaviours such as gambling. It also means being physically active, staying connected with others, being aware of any health risks you may have and working with your doctor to monitor these and then take action.
There are lots of ways of being healthy that feel good as well as doing you good. Benefits of healthy living include:
Results from the ACT Governments Health Survey show:
Our research has found time and affordability are the biggest barriers to participating in physical activity and healthy eating for women in the ACT, and these barriers are even greater for women on low incomes who have children. Fear of being unsafe and fear of judgment are further barriers for women who want to get active.
Our studies have also identified that around 50% of ACT women with chronic diseases report that their symptoms limited their ability to participate in healthy behaviours.
Women’s Health Matters has sought the views from ACT women so that we know about their experiences using and accessing health services and supports, and what gets in the way of their healthy living.
Over the past three decades, a constant theme from ACT women has been the value that women place on women only health services or women sensitive services that listen with empathy to their needs, who understand their lived experiences as women, and who provide trauma informed and women sensitive care.
Our research with women in the ACT also highlighted that to stay healthy, they needed help in identifying what information on the Internet was credible, trustworthy and right for them. As a result, we developed WCHM ASSURED a guide to assist women to navigate health and wellbeing information online.
We have and will continue to use the voices of local women—their preferences, views and concerns—to influence and advocate for effective and appropriate ACT Government health programs that encourage healthy behaviours for women. This includes supporting the ACT Government to incorporate women’s safety in urban design and planning (link to women’s safety page) so that women feel comfortable participating in physical activity.
We have and will continue to advocate for affordable access to reliable and appropriate health services and supports, and develop and promote information to support ACT women make healthy choice for themselves, including via initiatives like our Women’s Health Hub. And we will continue to work for gender equality in the ACT as socially constructed gender roles appear to strongly influence women’s health behaviours and are often barriers to healthy living.
A women’s story: Understanding Destructive Behaviour Part 1: The Fast Pace of Life
A women’s story: The House Always Wins
2018 Submission to the National Women’s Health Strategy 2020-2030 Read more »Close »
2018 Submission to the National Women’s Health Strategy 2020-2030
2018 Submission to the National Women’s Health Strategy 2020-2030
December 2015 Submission to the draft ACT Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Strategy Read more »Close »
December 2015 Submission to the draft ACT Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Strategy
December 2015 Submission to the draft ACT Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Strategy
March 2010 Submission to the ACT Women’s Health Plan Read more »Close »
February 2010 Submission to the ACT Comorbidity Strategy Read more »Close »
June 2009 Submission to the National Women’s Health Policy Read more »Close »