Check us out - We’re looking after our health
Oscars on the Yarra
Over this past year we’ve been encouraging women to place an emphasis on preventative health and wellbeing.
The aim of the "Check Me Out" project was simple - to shine a much-needed light on the critical importance of preventative health for women. Along with Phoenix Australia and Women’s Health East, the initiative brought us together to learn from those willing to share their personal journeys and expertise to inspire and support others in getting their health back on track.
The COVID-19 pandemic saw so many of us stop the routine check ups that help to catch things early. As 80% of frontline healthcare workers are women, we also bore the brunt of the pandemic's demands while magnifying existing inequities in the workforce. The financial hardship that resulted from a loss of job or hours often led to women skipping necessary medical or dental care.
Dr Marina McPherson
Dr Marina McPherson - Lilydale
Dr. Marina McPherson brings a medical perspective to the project, emphasizing the significance of wholesome nutrition and a balanced lifestyle as the foundation of good health. She underscores that while women have gained more professional opportunities, societal structures have not kept pace, exacerbating the gender disparities that exist in health and wellness.
Emma Gilmour
Emma Gilmour - Warburton
A psychotherapist and alcohol coach, drew on her personal story of overcoming dependence on alcohol, offering practical tools for other women to navigate stress and mental health challenges. As a neurodivergent mum of neurodivergent children and a feminist ally, her perspective on the pressures women face, from balancing work and family to societal expectations resonated with so many in the audience. Her emphasis on healthier coping strategies struck a chord with those who have turned to alcohol as a means of dealing with overwhelming stress.
Katie Underwood - Image credit: Sigrid Petersen Photography
Katie Underwood - Healesville
Truth be told, many were excited to meet Katie given her fame from her days with Australian band Bardot. Now a healing practitioner, Katie gently talked about her experiences battling addiction, ADHD, and chronic pain, to guide other women toward exploring diverse health options, ranging from workshops to self-care techniques. We were all left feeling inspired to be proactive about looking after our mental and physical well-being, recognising that these aspects of health are deeply interconnected.
Together, these three events were a huge success bringing locals together, and hopefully motivating women to look after their health needs.
Preventative health care is vital for women, not just in managing day-to-day well-being but also in preventing long-term health issues. Women’s health is often pushed aside in the face of competing demands such as work, caregiving, and financial pressures. We hope that projects like "Check Me Out" that emphasise the importance of women taking control of their health will lead to better health outcomes in our community. By encouraging women to find time for checkups and invest in their mental and physical well-being, we hope we’ve prevented health issues before reaching crisis points. We took a holistic approach to health, recognising the complex and multifaceted challenges women face, while providing a supportive community and accessible resources to help them thrive.