It’s the ninth year for the free annual Women’s Health Information Night, run by the Shepparton Women’s Health Centre, and demand is high.
In just a matter of days, tickets to this year’s Women’s Health Information Night were sold out.
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It’s the ninth year for the free annual information night, run by the Shepparton Women’s Health Centre, and demand is high.
“There is an enormous need for education,” said practice founder Margreet Stegeman.
Dr Stegeman will be presenting information about menopause at the event.
Other topics to be covered include cardiovascular risk factors in women, changes to discharge and how to stay strong with age-related muscle loss.
“We feel a bit sad that we can’t reach everyone,” Dr Stegeman said.
The health information night will take place on Wednesday, October 30, at the University of Melbourne Department of Rural Health lecture theatre on Graham St.
Doors open at 6pm for a 6.30pm start.
Community members can join the wait list via the registration link online.
Dr Stegeman said she hoped to film the event and make it available online, alongside other educational videos already available on the clinic’s website.
Despite making up roughly half the global population, research and treatment options for some conditions affecting women was lacking, Dr Stegeman said.
“There is so much misinformation about menopause in the community, but also among doctors,” she said.
“One of the things I think is very important is to educate people.”
Beyond filling the desire for education among community members, the information night is also raising funds this year to honour the memory of a beloved colleague of staff at the clinic.
Brayden Gladigau, Dean Gladigau, Karen Gladigau and Mitchell Gladigau
Photo by
Prue Peters Photography
Karen Gladigau worked at the Shepparton Women’s Health Centre for four years.
She died earlier this year from motor neurone disease (MND).
MND affects the nerves that control body movement and causes muscles that help people to move, speak, breathe and swallow to stop working normally.
“It was so devastating to lose her. She was one strong woman, and her legacy is one to be admired,” said practice manager Josie Ganino.
Ms Ganino said Karen was selfless and, right up to the end, wanted to make a positive impact.
Karen donated her organs, allowing life-changing transplants for four individuals, including a teenage girl.
“This recipient hopes to be able to have freedom to live her life free from the constraints of chronic illness; one where she can attend school, socialise with her friends and lead a normal teenage life. The recipient, her family and the experts caring for her, are so extremely grateful for the precious gift she has received,” a letter from DonateLife Victoria to Karen’s family said.
While there is currently no cure for the disease Karen struggled with, there are treatments and support available.
Gold coin donations upon entry to the information night and proceeds from raffle ticket sales will go to MND Victoria in memory of Karen.
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