On 15 February 2024, Endo Articles and Genea Fertility teamed up to launch the first ever endometriosis retreat hosted at Cedar Springs estate in Kiama, giving ten women the opportunity to engage with a community experiencing similar challenges. The event was designed so women can meet others who ‘just get it’. It was an endeavour to empower, educate, and support women for four days with workshops, activities and expert Q&A’s.Endometriosis is a chronic condition that affects one in nine women, with new studies showing results that argue it is closer to one in seven. The condition occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other parts of the body which causes severe pain, issues with fertility and an array of other negative symptoms such as fatigue, bloating, nausea. Endometriosis is commonly misunderstood and difficult to diagnose, leading to isolation and significant physical and emotional challenges for those living with it.Milli Weaver, the founder of Endo Articles, noticed a gap in medical, community and emotional support for women with endometriosis. Endo Articles began as a health blog on Instagram as a way to fill that gap and bring individuals with endometriosis together.The event was free for attendees thanks to Genea Fertility, eliminating the financial burden often associated with managing this condition.There is a substantial physical and emotional tax that comes with a chronic illness like endometriosis, with studies suggesting the annual cost is around $30,000. Taking not only medical costs into account but also loss of income and time, other challenges include paying for appointments, scans, medications, driving times, and petrol. Not only did participants have the opportunity to talk to experts on a range of topics, they received a goodie bag valued at over $1000, curated to help ease the limitations and challenges of endometriosis.Goodies included daily self-care activities such as yoga sessions, a hands-on skincare crafting workshop, and lessons from stylists and makeup artists, many of which come from local vendors from the Kiama area. The retreat also provided a cooking class, a storytelling workshop and a styling masterclass all to help build confidence, understanding and empowerment within the group of attendees. The inaugural endometriosis retreat set a precedent for future initiatives aimed at providing support and healing for individuals living with the condition, marking a significant milestone in the journey toward greater awareness, advocacy, support and community for those affected by endometriosis.

Discussing death is often considered taboo, but what happens when it becomes an unavoidable reality in our lives? In a society that tends to avoid the subject, organisations like Compassionate Communities are breaking the silence by creating safe spaces, such as Death Cafés, where individuals can openly share their thoughts, ask questions, and tell their stories without judgment.At a Death Café in Gerringong, I discovered the concept of ‘life art coffins’. These personalised coffins serve as a canvas for expressions of love and memories, allowing individuals to create a unique and meaningful tribute to the deceased using photos, poems – like a collage. Made from eco-friendly materials like strong cardboard or wood fibres, these coffins also provide an affordable and environmentally conscious alternative to traditional options.During the afternoon I heard about The Coffin Club, another unique group, which combines discussions about the various aspects of death with a touch of humour, music, and shared experiences. Participants not only engage in conversations about death literacy but also have the opportunity to build their own coffins! This creative and communal approach aims to destigmatise the topic of death and facilitate a healthier understanding of the grief journey.We were also told about Dr. Kathryn Mannix, a former consultant in palliative care medicine, who emphasises the importance of open conversations about dying. Her TEDx talk, "Why Don't We Talk About Dying?" and acclaimed books like 'With the End in Mind' and 'Listen,' offer a human perspective on 'ordinary dying,' encouraging people to face the inevitable with knowledge and understanding.The Death Café experience also shed light on various end-of-life options, including natural burial shrouds, affordable coffins, and low-cost cremation. Discussions covered advanced care planning, where individuals are encouraged to communicate their end-of-life preferences, ensuring that their wishes are considered in case they cannot speak for themselves.An Advance Care Directive serves as a written record of these preferences, guiding healthcare providers when decisions need to be made. In contrast, Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) provides eligible individuals the option to end their own lives under specific criteria. The process involves thorough assessments, ensuring the decision is voluntary and not influenced by external factors.The Death Café gathering facilitated an open and honest exchange of stories, thoughts, and tears. The peaceful atmosphere allowed attendees to absorb valuable insights without pressure to contribute, creating a space where listening and learning about death became an enriching experience.I have a friend whose partner has terminal cancer, and we are going together to a Death Cafe on Sunday 24 March, from 2-4pm at Henrietta Rose Room in Bowral. It is free to attend, and all are welcome.

The number of Australians diagnosed with dementia is expected to soar to over 530,000 by 2025 and surpass 1.1 million by 2056 if no medical breakthrough occurs, according to projections from medical research organisation NeuRA As we grapple with this unsettling reality, preserving memory emerges as a crucial aspect of our daily lives, particularly as it tends to wane with age.Dr. Andrew Budson, a neurology lecturer at Harvard Medical School, says "There's more focus on this now because medical science has done a relatively good job of treating heart disease and cancer, but made fewer strides in addressing memory disorders such as dementia," and more people are worried about this than ever.A panel of experts from the St Vincent’s Brains Trust acknowledges the absence of curative treatments for dementia but emphasises the potential benefits of targeted prevention strategies. Recent studies suggest that up to 40 per cent of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed, ushering in a ray of hope.Addressing the looming question of how to ward off memory decline, the World Health Organisation has developed guidelines for cognitive decline and dementia risk reduction. Recommendations include familiar elements like physical activity, stopping smoking, moderating alcohol consumption, and management of conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol levels. Additionally, cognitive training, social engagement, and depression management are emphasised. Interestingly, maintaining a healthy weight and consuming a balanced diet are also integral components of this comprehensive approach.Echoing these sentiments, global healthcare knowledge provider BMJ, most well-known for publishing The British Medical Journal, conducted a 10-year cohort study in January 2023 involving 29,072 participants aged 60 or older. The study highlighted the profound impact of a healthy lifestyle, encompassing positive behaviours such as abstaining from smoking and drinking, adopting a nutritious diet, engaging in regular physical exercise, and embracing cognitive activity and social interaction. The findings indicate that adherence to such a lifestyle is associated with a slower rate of memory decline.

Every woman's health is a precious asset, and in Australia, there are five critical health concerns that demand our attention. According to The Prince of Wales Hospital Foundation these are cancer, musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular diseases, mental health, and neurological diseases. Prioritising your health is essential at any age. By addressing these critical concerns, women in Australia can ensure a better quality of life as they age. Here is the last of our three-part series that addresses these five concerns. Mental health is a pressing concern for Australian women, with a range of factors affecting their well-being. One in six women will experience depression in their lifetime and one in three will experience anxiety. Mental health and substance abuse can disproportionately impact women at various ages (ABS, 2018). The biggest concern amongst Australian women causing mental health issue is family, domestic and sexual abuse which are more likely to be perpetrated against women, with one in three women experiencing violence in their lifetime (ABS, 2017). This leads to significant impacts on their safety, mental health, and wellbeing. Mental health problems relating to fertility, childbearing or parenting are also a common burden among Australian women with one in four mothers experiencing post-natal depression (AIWH, 2010). Juggling work and life after children remains a major challenge for women in the workforce with a lack of flexible work arrangements being the main source of family stress. This adds to relationship struggles and results in women being less happy in their long-term relationships compared to men, creating a key factor in impacting mental health (HILDA,2015). Lastly, suicide remains a concern for Australian women across the lifespan.The best way to support women of all ages is to break the stigma around mental health and encourage women to talk more openly about women’s mental health in the workplace, at home, at school and between trusted friends and family. Looking out for signs and checking in with loved ones is highly encouraged. Giving women an active voice and opportunities in the community for equity and inclusion can also break barriers in the workplace, at home and at school which are often the leading cause of mental health disorders.Local Kiama psychologist Caryn Walsh said, “Having worked with countless women over 25 years, my  belief is that many put everybody else first, and if they remember, they may do something for themselves.” She maintains that this costs them over time.According to Beyond Blue, the brain's anatomy may also cause women and men to experience mental disorders differently. For example, due to their brain's wiring, women report higher levels of empathy and emotional understanding than men. These qualities, while generally positive, are closely tied to worsening depression, anxiety, and trauma.If you or anyone you know is struggling, please seek assistance from a GP, or Lifeline by calling 13 11 14 if you are in a personal crisis or feel suicidal.For advice on self-esteem: ReachOut or HeadspaceOnline support on relationship issues with partners, friends or family members: Beyond Blue, Breakup Shakeup or E-CouchFor work or study stress: Heads Up and HeadspaceThe Black Dog Institute offers a range of mental health programs for the workplace and for individuals.This Time Called Life Counselling – Kiama. Ph:  0414 375 526Neurological conditions can have a profound impact on women's lives, posing unique challenges, in particular diseases such as Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis. The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease is particularly concerning, with approximately 70 percent of all Australians living with dementia being women, according to Dementia Australia. The reasons for this gender disparity are still under investigation, but it highlights the need for increased research and support for women affected by these conditions.Various organisations in Australia, such as the Brain Foundation and MS Australia, offer resources, support networks, and research funding to better understand and manage neurological conditions in women.Addressing these women's health concerns is not just a personal responsibility but a collective effort. Together, we can break the stigma surrounding these issues and create a healthier, more supportive environment, by staying informed, seeking regular check-ups, and making healthy choices to protect your precious asset: your health. And remember, you're not alone on this journey.

The need for resilience skills has never been more critical.Research indicates that 75 per cent of Australians will experience a traumatic event in their lives, with 12 per cent grappling with post-traumatic stress injuries which causes them to have flashbacks, nightmares and other severe reactions to things that remind them of the traumatic event. The recent deluge of catastrophic bushfires, floods, a pandemic, all of which have heightened people’s distress levels, emphasising the importance of cultivating resilience skills that enable us to cope and heal.There are the usual things that cause distress and upset, being depression, anxiety, burnout, loss, grief, divorce (or any relationship breakdown), illness, chronic pain, sleep issues, and many other of life’s dramas. Six years ago, when I was going through a myriad of issues that surround relationship breakdowns that lead to divorce, my head was in a state of turmoil. I embarked on a journey of self-discovery which took two years and a fair bit of investment to get through the hurt, anger, pain, insomnia, fear and grief to heal myself. I wish I had known about Quest for Life Foundation, the healing and learning centre in Bundanoon. It would have been a shorter journey to heal my wounds and get back to good mental and physical health.By invitation, I attended a five-day residential course at Quest entitled Healing Your Life. The immersive experience begins with a comprehensive orientation, fostering a safe environment for 22 participants to share their deeply personal stories, safe in the knowledge that secrets and personal details would be kept 100 percent confidential. As an empath, I found myself on the verge of tears hearing their brutally honest, sad and distressing stories. The main issues were around loss and grief (family members dying: spouse, sibling, baby), people diagnosed with a terminal illness needing to navigate the way forward, people abused in childhood continuing to suffer from that trauma with severe depression and anxiety, people in chronic pain and the debilitating effect that has on their lives, young men confused about how to be a man in today’s society and suffering huge anxiety, victims of domestic violence with deep-rooted self-esteem issues, and so on. An important understanding in the group was that we would all listen 100 percent and not interrupt or divert to our internal mind chatter. We learned to accept and support all the group members and stay with our feelings, leaving out criticism and judgement. It was powerful - and confronting. Over the course of the week, we learned how to get more restful sleep, how to meditate to calm the mind and body, how to exercise, breathe and stretch to wake up the body, as well as improve our diets with a majority of wholesome fresh unprocessed foods. There was a lot of useful content, too much to list here, but in essence the program aims to empower individuals to regain control of their lives, fostering a renewed commitment to living, which includes refocusing on our priorities and this can often mean learning to forgive ourselves and others. Of particular interest to the author, was becoming aware of the power of language and the way we express ourselves, highlighting the words that keep us habitually bound to the past. So from now on, I am removing the words can’t, should, try, but, never/always, if only, impossible and good/bad from my repertoire - after all language gives voice to our beliefs so if you declare that you can’t or it’s impossible then that’s true. I would prefer to entertain the idea that I can and that there are always possibilities!It was evident in the group by the end of the week when the smiles and obvious lighter mood took over from the nervousness and fear that each person arrived with. Here is a wonderful endorsement by actor/comedian Magda Szubanski, that says it all, “Last year was a brutal one for me (featuring) the death of my mother, chronic health issues…  I participated in the Healing your Life program at Quest and it was, without reservation, one of the most helpful, healing, transformational things I’ve ever done.  “I’ve been to many health retreats, but Quest is in a league of its own. The people at Quest are on point. They were empathetic and extremely skilful. But beyond that, they are brave enough to go places most people would never dare. There were some people in my group with terminal illnesses and the staff had the empathy, courage and skills to help these terrified people to face their own death, to hold their hands and walk with them.“I saw people completely transform in the space of one week, going from utter despair to the strength, courage and joyous optimism to face whatever comes. And also, to make the most of their lives. “That one week helped me get through a very tough year.”If you or anyone you know could benefit from a life-changing (life-saving) course at Quest, you can visit their website for more information: www.QuestForLife.org.au 

Google has crowned BrainTrack as the Best App for Good in 2023. The free app, designed to privately monitor and comprehend changes in cognition over time, has been a game-changer since its launch in October 2022. The app invites users to explore common cognitive concerns through engaging, travel-themed games, adapted from validated cognitive testing. These results can then be shared with healthcare professionals, supporting the early identification of cognitive changes that may necessitate further examination. Google praised BrainTrack for its captivating nature and commended its "unique focus on declining cognitive abilities and its ingenious combination of two activities: travel and learning."Developed collaboratively by Dementia Australia and Deakin University's Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute (A²I²), BrainTrack has now earned its spot as one of the top apps in the Australian market, according to Google Play's Best of 2023 Awards.  Braintrack also gained international recognition, reaching the finals of the Asia-Pacific Information Communications Technology Alliance (APICTA) Awards in Hong Kong in December.With over 60,000 downloads to date, BrainTrack has become a crucial tool in the early diagnosis of dementia, and its recent accolade highlights its significant impact on the healthcare landscape. Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe AM expressed her enthusiasm, emphasising the urgency of improving early diagnosis, especially with over 400,000 Australians currently living with dementia—a number projected to double by 2058."Improving early diagnosis must be a priority," Ms. McCabe said, acknowledging the pivotal role that BrainTrack plays in achieving this goal.Ms. McCabe congratulated the remarkable team behind BrainTrack, lauding their efforts in advancing the understanding of dementia and raising awareness about the importance of monitoring and discussing brain health.Funded by the Australian Government, BrainTrack's recognition marks a significant milestone in the journey to combat dementia. The app is available for free download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play, with additional information accessible at their website here or through the National Dementia Helpline at 1800 100 500.Let us know if you are using it and what your opinion is!