This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, women aged 50-74 from Western NSW Local Health District are being urged to book in for a free mammogram, with more than 40 (41.4) percent of women in the region overdue for their two-yearly breast cancer screening.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, BreastScreen NSW is also encouraging women to Be A Friend, Tell A Friend about the importance of having regular mammograms. Be A Friend, Tell A Friend encourages word of mouth and social media promotion among women to their friends, family and colleagues about the need to have regular mammograms.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women with age and being female the biggest risk factors – not family history. Wom­en aged 50 – 74 years are recommended to have a breast screen every two years.

BreastScreen NSW recommends Aboriginal women start screening at 40 years, with evidence showing that they are diag­nosed with breast cancer at a younger age, have more advanced cancer at diagnosis and poorer survival rates compared to the overall female population.

Any woman who has noticed a change in their breasts, like a lump, should see their doctor without delay. Make breast screen­ing a priority. It only takes 20 minutes and no doctor’s referral is needed.

For more information and to make an appointment at a local BreastScreen NSW clinic or mobile van, you can call 13 20 50 or book online at www.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au.

Western NSW Local Health District (WN­SWLHD) is encouraging people who are passionate about improving their com­munity’s health to apply to take part in the 2025 Building Healthy Communities Chal­lenge.

The WNSWLHD Building Healthy Com­munities Challenge was established this year by the District’s Health Promotion team to help smaller communities take control of improving their overall health, by providing up to $12,000 in funding and in­tensive support to deliver a community-led health initiative.

WNSWLHD Health Promotion Coordina­tor Hayley Vaughan said applications are open to any community group in a town or community with less than 5,000 peo­ple who has an idea for an initiative which could improve people’s health.

“We encourage communities to apply if they have an idea which could increase physical activity or healthy eating in their community, reduce smoking and vaping rates or establishing infrastructure which promotes healthy living,” Ms Vaughan said.

“Any idea is a good idea, big or small, and they could be as simple as implement­ing a regular walking group or setting up community gardens to grow healthy food.”

WNSWLHD Health Promotion Officer Kelly Cook said an independent panel will assess applications and select two towns to compete in the friendly competition.

“The two chosen towns will each receive $8,000 in funding assistance and intensive support from the Health Promotion team to establish and implement their initiative, and we will also provide additional resourc­es and assistance with promotion too,” Ms Cook said.

Applications are open from Monday 2nd September to Friday 11th October 2024.

For more information contact the WNSWL­HD Health Promotion Team on WNSWL­HD-HealthPromotion@health.nsw.gov.au.

Ten years ago I fell in love with a farmer who lived near Yeoval. As a fresh-faced Physiotherapist, I had concerns about what this new location could mean for my career.

I remember a conversation with an elderly gentleman, “Where is Yeoval?” He asked.

“The middle of nowhere,” I quipped with an impending sense of doom. “It’s about an hour from Dubbo, Parkes, and an hour and a bit from Orange.”

His eyes crinkled into a smile, he looked at me, then slowly said, “Well that sounds to me like it’s in the middle of everywhere..”

I thought about that comment often, then a few years later I decided to start my own business. I traveled to each of the sur­rounding towns, spending one day a week in each. Working out of GP clinics, church halls and client homes, slowly building my business. I started to employ other allied health professionals in these locations, working alongside me to meet the health­care needs of these regional locations. Cuphalf-full people who loved a challenge, and grew the business, constantly coming up with ideas to deliver high quality healthcare, inspiring me with their passion and drive.

Today, Kerin Health proudly services a 800km diameter across the Central West, with outreach teams going even further to locations like Tottenham and Lake Cargel­ligo.

I wonder what would have happened if I didn’t change my perspective. If that lovely man didn’t gently remind me to seize the opportunity, not be blinded by the obstacle.

And to surround myself with people who did the same.

I don’t know where he is now. But I hope he’s smiling.

Interested in knowing more about what services we offer? Contact us today or check out our website. www.kerinhealth.com.au

Dietary, first aid, and physical and devel­opmental health will be among the topics discussed at an upcoming parent informa­tion evening in Forbes.

The free event will be held at Flannery’s Pharmacy Tuesday, 16th July and is de­signed to help local parents connect with others in the community while gaining valu­able insight from a panel of health experts.

“This event came about because we saw a need to support new parents, and young families, in the Central West,” Pharma­cist in Charge at Flannery’s Forbes, Kate French, said.

“Sometimes it can feel very isolating liv­ing in a regional centre, particularly in the early stages of parenthood, and we want to offer access to healthcare experts in a se­cure, comfortable environment, to ensure parents and carers of all stages feel wel­come and supported.”

Among guest speakers will be registered nurse Inez Denham, Paediatric Physi­otherapist Zoe Tyack and Naturopath Alice Flannery.

Winter warmer refreshments will be available on the evening from Donna’s Table, there will be raffle prizes to be won and each attendee will also receive a gift bag containing information, a book for your child and more goodies.

“This session will cover a range of topics from medication information to promoting self-care, as well as access to expert ad­vice and local resources,” Kate said.

“As pharmacists, we have many conver­sations with patients about how to cope with the various stages of parenting. This event allows locals to ask more questions from a variety of healthcare professionals.”

Register online at: www.eventbrite.com/e/flannerys-pharmacy-parent-infor­mation-night-tickets-929448344017.

Naturopath Alice Flannery will also be hosting a pop-up Naturopathy clinic ahead of the event, with a focus on women’s health and fertility, gut health, fatigue, as well as preconception, pregnancy and postpartum support. To book an appoint­ment with Alice, please visit www.aliceflan­nerynaturopath.com/bookings

Kids Helpline is encouraging boys and young men to take time to prioritise their mental health this week, as part of Interna­tional Men’s Health Week.

yourtown CEO Tracy Adams says this week is important for all members of the community, but particularly young men and those with young men in their lives, to build a positive culture around mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Data from Kids Helpline highlights that young males are less likely to engage in help-seeking for mental health concerns compared with females. On average during May Kids Helpline recorded 57 responses a day from young males compared with 195 females.

Counsellors at Kids Helpline respond to 21% males and 79% females on any given day, with males aged between 19 to 25 years of age representing the largest (37%) male help-seeking group.

Kids Helpline offers boys and young men a safe, inclusive space to connect with pro­fessional support 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Kids Helpline is Australia’s only na­tional 24/7 counselling service specifically for children and young people aged 5 to 25 years – free call 1800 55 1800 or www.kid­shelpline.com.au

May is Macula Month, and a good reminder that if you are over 50 you should be having regular macula health checks.

The macula is the most sensitive part of the retina that deals with fine detail. A healthy macula is vital for good vision. Macular Degeneration is a disease affecting the macula causing central vision loss. This makes it very difficult to read, recognise faces, watch TV and even obtain a driver’s license.

Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in Australia. It is more common as we age, and the risk of Macular Degeneration increases if there is a family history of macula problems, cardiovascular disease or you are a smoker.

DRY MD

Characterised by a slow, progressive loss of the RPE cells due to the build up of drusen at the macula. This makes up about 85% of moderate to advanced MD cases resulting in a gradual deterioration of the central vision. Diet and a special formulation of vitamins and high-dose antioxidants, such as MD eyes have been shown to slow down the progression of MD in those with moderate to advanced MD in at least one eye.

WET MD

This affects about two-thirds of advanced MD patients. This occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow underneath the macular and these vessels can spontaneously bleed, leading to a sudden loss of vision requiring immediate medical treatment. Treatment often requires regular injections to shrink the blood vessels.

Like most diseases, early detection and treatment for Macular Degeneration is vital to maintain good vision throughout life.

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is the gold standard for the early detection of Macular Degeneration. Unlike standard retinal photography, OCT enables detailed assessment of the deeper layers of the retina using optical ultrasound.

To have your macula thoroughly checked book online www.opticalbookings.com.au/hansen-optometrists-parkes/store, phone 6863 5577 or call in to make an appointment.

Beyond Blue welcomes renewed Federal Government funding to provide small business owners access to much needed mental health support.

The Federal Government’s investment of $7.7 million to extend Beyond Blue’s NewAccess for Small Business Owners (NASBO) program is an acknowledgement that small business owners are struggling and are really doing it tough,” says Beyond Blue Chief Executive, Georgie Harman.

The NASBO program is available for free between from 8am to 8pm, to small and medium business owners nationally. The service uses evidence-based low-intensity cognitive behavioural therapy and offers small business owners up to six sessions and two follow up sessions, working with a trained coach with a background in small business themselves.

Adapted specifically for small business owners, NASBO is based on Beyond Blue’s highly effective NewAccess program and is funded by Commonwealth Government. The program is not only effective at improving mental health but has also been independently determined to represent good value for money and delivers a positive return on investment.

Participation is free. Small business owners who are interested to know more can visit www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/newaccess-mental-health-coaching/small-business-owners or call 1300 945 301.