“If we want to talk about women’s health, as it is Women’s Health Week, I think it is really important to prioritise our health as women, not just for this week, but for every day,” Mrs Fleming said.
“Women’s Health Week reminds women to do those checks.
“And regarding education and awareness, people need to know their bodies and understand their risks as well.
“I support them in getting regular screening, such as their mammograms and cervical screens, so that potential issues can be picked up and treated early.
“I think women’s health weeks are an important time for women to advocate for themselves and their healthcare.
“Ask the questions, seek second opinions, if something doesn’t feel right.”
Mrs Fleming does cervical screens, supports the bowel screen program, can do assessments for perimenopausal and menopausal women, offers contraception advice, education and referrals, sexually transmitted infection testing, treating menstruation concerns and healthy bodies and healthy relationships for young people.
Part of Mrs Flemings’s role is to support and educate people from the onset of puberty through all stages of life, as people’s bodies change over time.
“Giving people an opportunity to come to a really supportive, non-judgmental service that can support you with those questions and assessments and then refer you to different disciplines if that is needed,” she said.
“A big part of my job is education, awareness and giving people the information so that they feel empowered to take that away and do things for themselves as well.
“It is important for us to be doing physical health check-ups, but I think mental health is also really important.
“Making sure women prioritise their mental health and self-care, practising self-care through whatever might work for them.
“Whether it is mindfulness, exercise, or just taking time out to rest.”
Mrs Fleming has 45-minute consults with people that are free and can be self-referred.
Mrs Fleming also works through headspace Echuca with young people 12 to 25 years old.
Young people can contact her through headspace Echuca, 451 High St, Echuca, phone (03) 5485 5048 for a private one-on-one appointment.
If anyone wants to self-refer to the Echuca Regional Health sexual health nurse Bianca Fleming, contact the Hopwood Centre at ERH at (03) 5485 5801.
For Women’s Health Week, ERH sexual health nurse Bianca Fleming gave a talk at Echuca Library on Tuesday, September 3. She will speak at Rochester Library on Wednesday, September 4, from 1pm to 2pm.
The event is free, but bookings are required.
To book, contact Campaspe Library at (03) 5481 2400.
9°C