Booklet launched for NSW women
New South Wales (NSW) Health has launched a new booklet to support the health of more than 70,000 women living with intellectual disability in NSW.
Being a Healthy Woman is designed to assist women with an intellectual disability who are often less likely to understand life changes, the importance of a healthy lifestyle, or the need to see doctors when ill.
Research indicates many of these women visit doctors less frequently and health concerns can go undiagnosed or appropriately treated.
Being a Healthy Woman is written in simple and accessible language which will improve communication between medical professionals and women with intellectual disabilities.
The book was produced by the Centre for Education and Research on Ageing after extensive consultation with women with intellectual disabilities, their families, carers and support workers.
It covers 16 topics including being healthy and happy, growing up, safe sex, parenting, breast health, dealing with grief and loss and growing older. Being a Healthy Woman is backed by a training package that has been trialled by GPs and hospital registrars to improve the health outcomes for women with an intellectual disability.
The book also contains an extensive list of health resources and where to find them which will help women with intellectual disabilities, family members and medical practitioners seeking more detailed information.
The book will be available to group homes and residential facilities in NSW and electronically from the websites of NSW Health, NSW Council for Intellectual Disability, Centre for Disability Studies and GP Synergy. Additional copies will be available from the Better Health Centre.
