Agewell Health promotion for older people in New Zealand
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Agewell Health promotion for older people in New Zealand
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Women's Health IssuesA wealth of information is available on women's health issues - but sometimes finding it can be difficult. We will endeavour to cover with this section of the website issues of relevance to older women in New Zealand, including Menopause, HRT, and Breast Screening and Links to appropriate sites. Great resources are also available to you locally - in particular the free booklet titled WOMEN a guide to health and well being, can be picked up at your local pharmacy. This is published by the Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand. Your local GP will also have various pamphlets for your information as will numerous women's organisations such as the ones mentioned on this page. LINKSA website well worth the visit is the one by Women's Health Action.
'Women's Health Action is a
charitable trust with the aims of providing women with high quality
information and education services to enable them to maintain their health and
make informed choices about their health care. WHA have a health promotion and
disease prevention focus, with a special interest in screening.
WHA approach health within a holistic framework of the whole of women's lives, rather than from a narrowly medical perspective.' The website is an excellent one-stop-shop for women in New Zealand, and has a wealth of information on many different issues, including Screening, Breast Cancer, HRT Studies, Publications, Patient Rights and the Health System. They also feature what events are coming up and provide information on past ones. Also try searching their website under older women - some great reading there too, and their Links page - a wealth of information awaits you. Auckland Women's Health Council The Auckland Women’s Health Council is a voluntary organisation of individual women and women’s groups who have an interest in women’s health issues. The organisation was formed in 1988 to provide a voice for women’s health in the Auckland region and to lobby on a wide range of women’s health issues. The Council has a special interest in patient rights, ethics, informed consent and decision-making in health care, advocacy and the Code of Health Consumers’ Rights. The website also features newsletter articles of interest and information on current issues. Healthywomen.org.nz website is an excellent resource for what is happening in New Zealand. The goal of this website is to offer New Zealand women and their families easy access to important and relevant health information site is called 'healthy women', because the positive idea of wellness is what they are promoting. Because the two current screening programmes are a large part of this idea, they are the first major sections of the site. It features the BreastScreen Aotearoa, and the National Cervical Screening Programme. MENOPAUSEMenopause is the term given for the end of a woman's menstrual periods. It has been often referred to as the 'Change of Life' and is very much a natural part of aging. Menopause occurs when the ovaries cease making the hormone called oestrogen. This causes oestrogen levels to drop, and leads to the end of monthly menstrual periods. Generally this occurs between the ages of 45 and 60, although it can happen earlier in the 30's, and is thought that it has occurred after one year without a period. Menopause can also occur when the ovaries are surgically removed or they stop functioning due to other reasons. What are the signs and symptoms?There are a wide variety of both physical and psychological changes that may occur. No two women will experience the same or at the same intensity. Some symptoms may be mild or even go unnoticed, for other women the signs may be more obvious. Discuss what you are experiencing with your doctor, and don't assume what is happening for you is related to menopause, it can also be a sign of other illnesses. Physical signs can include
Psychological signs can include
What can I do?
Foundation for Better Health Care Australasian Menopause Society OSTEOPOROSISOsteoporosis is known as a silent condition, and the end result can cause loss of independence and a reduced quality of life. Osteoporosis is the reduction of bone mass and the way that bone is made. It occurs when there is insufficient new bone being made to replace older bone. The harder outer shell of the bones becomes thinner and the inner bone becomes less dense. It leads to a lace-like bone structure. This results in bones being weaker and susceptible to breaking or fracturing. The most common breaks occur in the wrist, hip and spine. These breaks may be as a result of a minor fall or accident, and further on with the disease, fractures may be spontaneous. Both men and women can get osteoporosis, however it affects more that 50% of women and nearly a third of men over the age of 60. What are the risk factors?Risk factors for developing osteoporosis may include:
An interesting article in the British Medical Journal about Osteoporosis discusses a study where ultrasound was added to risk factor inquiries for Osteoporosis on 200 women. Ultrasound scanning performed better than risk factor inquiry for predicting osteoporosis. A combination of the two methods identified 90% of the women with osteoporosis and increased prediction for those without osteoporosis. View the article on the BMJ. How is it detected?Osteoporosis can be detected with a special x-ray machine known as a bone densitometer. It measures your bone density. It is a good idea to have a bone density test early to establish a baseline for later tests. Talk to your GP who can refer you for this test. What is the treatment?Treatment varies with each woman and depends on factors such as age, medical history, and the severity of the condition. Treatment may be suggested such as:
Further websites for you to try are - Osteoporosis New Zealand website has some very useful and interesting information for you. Check our their FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions). You can also receive their newsletter. The National Health Committee has an information report on its website outlining the condition, risk and preventative strategies, screening and recommendations.
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Please Note Age Concern North Shore has tried to ensure that all information on this website is correct. However, Age Concern North Shore does not accept liability for any statements or advice contained on, or omissions from, nor endorse any suggested site on this website. Other websites referred to on this website are here for reference only. The information on this website should not be regarded as a substitute for professional advice and we do suggest that you consult with your health, legal or financial professional. ©Age Concern North Shore 2001-2007. E-Mail us dianem@acns.co.nz about the website. Website last updated 30/06/2010 |
