To mark International Women’s Day on Friday the 8th of March, the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is urging Australian women to place higher priority on their physical and mental health and wellbeing.
All too often women place their own health on hold as they try to balance family life with work and other social commitments. A recent health report has shown that less than 50% of women meet exercise guidelines. For 18-64 year olds this equates to 150 minutes of physical activity over five or more sessions each week. If you’re over 65, this is at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days.
The statistics show that Australian women are more likely than men to suffer from depression, osteoporosis, arthritis and dementia, all of which have been linked to lack of physical activity. As women get older, they are also more likely to experience multiple chronic conditions at the same time. 87% of women over 65 currently live with at least one chronic disease.
“If exercise could be packed into a pill, it would be the single most widely prescribed and beneficial medicine in the nation”- Robert N. Butler
The benefits of exercise are endless. Regular exercise promotes healthy weight, reduces the risk of chronic disease and improves mental function and general feelings of well-being.
Cath Willis, chair of the APA Women’s, Men’s and Pelvic Health group, says that physical activity is an incredibly powerful tool for optimizing whole body health in the long term and should be seen as an investment into women’s future health and wellbeing.
“Exercise is a critical component of disease prevention, but chronic conditions such as being overweight or obese, incontinence or leakage, endometriosis, low back pain and mental health issues may be a barrier.”
Physiotherapy can help to keep you moving if you have pain or lack confidence in your body’s capabilities, which can also dramatically improve your quality of life and health- both physical and mental.
For specific issues relating to women’s health such as incontinence and pregnancy, a Women’s Health Physio is recommended. Mel Manuelpillai at Back in Motion Hawthorn has further training in Pelvic Floor and Continence Rehabilitation and can help you with any concerns. Click here to book in your free assessment with Mel.
Reference:
AIHW (2017). The health of Australia’s females. Retrieved from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/men-women/female-health/contents/lifestyle-risk-factors