A Reminder to Put Your Health First
7–11 September 2026
Women’s Health Week is a wonderful reminder to pause for a moment and think about your own health.
Women often spend so much time looking after everyone else — family, work, children, partners and loved ones — that their own health can sometimes move down the list.
But looking after yourself matters too.
This year’s Women’s Health Week theme is “do it anyway”, encouraging women to take small, realistic steps towards better health.
It doesn’t have to mean making huge changes. Sometimes it can simply mean booking the appointment you’ve been putting off, talking to your GP about something that’s been worrying you, or making time for a health check.
Your health changes throughout your life
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to women’s health.
What you need in your twenties may be very different from what you need in your forties, fifties or beyond. Your health can also change through pregnancy, after having children, during perimenopause and menopause, and as you get older.
That’s why regular conversations with your GP can be so valuable.
A GP can help you understand what health checks and preventive care may be appropriate for you, based on your age, family history, lifestyle, symptoms and stage of life.
Some important areas to think about
❤️ Heart health
Heart health is important for women at every stage of life. A conversation with your GP can help identify things such as blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, family history and other cardiovascular risk factors.
If you’re eligible, your GP may also be able to provide a Heart Health Assessment.
🎀 Cervical screening
Cervical screening is an important part of preventive healthcare for people with a cervix.
Regular screening can detect HPV and cervical cell changes early, often before there are any symptoms.
If you’re unsure when your screening is due, talk to your GP or our reception team — we can help you work out what you need.
🩷 Breast health
Knowing what is normal for your breasts and being aware of changes is an important part of looking after your health.
Your GP can also talk with you about your personal and family history and whether additional assessment or breast screening may be appropriate.
🦴 Bone health
Our bones change as we age, and women’s bone health can become particularly important around and after menopause.
Your GP can discuss your individual risk factors and whether you need further assessment or support for maintaining strong, healthy bones.
🧠 Mental health
Your mental health deserves just as much attention as your physical health.
Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, persistently low, exhausted or simply not like yourself is a reason to reach out.
You don’t need to wait until things become unbearable before talking to someone. Your GP can listen, assess what’s happening and discuss treatment, support and referral options with you.
It’s OK not to be OK.
🌸 Perimenopause & menopause
Perimenopause and menopause can bring changes to your body, sleep, mood, periods and overall wellbeing.
You don’t have to simply put up with symptoms because they’re considered a “normal part of getting older”.
A Menopause Health Assessment can provide an opportunity to talk through your symptoms, health history and concerns and develop an individual approach to managing your health.
Don’t ignore changes in your body
One of the most important things you can do for your health is to get to know your own body.
If something has changed or doesn’t feel right, don’t be afraid to bring it up with your GP.
It could be something simple — but having the conversation can give you reassurance, answers or help you get the right support sooner.
You don’t have to do everything at once
Looking after your health doesn’t need to become another thing on your never-ending to-do list.
Start with one thing.
Book the appointment you’ve been meaning to make.
Have the conversation you’ve been putting off.
Check when your screening is due.
Talk to your GP about a symptom you’ve been ignoring.
Or simply make some time to check in with yourself.
Women’s Health Week is about taking that first small step — and remembering that your health deserves a place on your to-do list too.
Ready to put your health first?
If it has been a while since you’ve checked in with your GP, we’d love to help.
At Strathalbyn Medical Clinic, we provide care for women through every stage of life, from young adulthood through to midlife and beyond.
