Lunch with Dr Marina McPherson Celebrating Women's Health Week

With so much information available to us with a click of a finger, it can be difficult to know what can be done to stay healthy and well. Can anything be done at all, or are we simply destined to live out the blueprint of our genes? Join us as we discuss the best way to optimise your health, no matter what stage of life you are in, and what steps to take in order to improve our "health-span" not just our lifespan.

About 80% of chronic diseases are caused by lifestyle factors. Almost 50% of Australians are estimated to have at least one chronic condition (eg: diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritis). These are sad statistics, but the positive message that can be taken from this, is that by addressing our diet, optimising our sleep, adding regular exercise to our life and practicing good stress management, we can significantly modify our risk. We can reduce the risk of one or more of those chronic diseases and we can improve the quality and enjoyment of our life. We can thrive, no matter our age. 

More and more studies are concluding that good muscle mass and bone mass are strong predictors of longevity and good health. An essential backbone to this is to ensure adequate protein intake is maintained. As we age, our protein requirements increase, in contrast to most people's actual protein intake decreasing. A combination of good protein intake, in addition to exercise, especially strength training, is required to maintain good muscle and bone health, a significant marker of healthy aging. 

It is true that we all live busy lives and it can seem selfish, indulgent and uncomfortable to partake in seemingly lavish self-care such as going to bed just a bit earlier, going for a lunchtime walk or cleaning up the pantry. But these acts are not selfish. They are not indulgent. They are taking care of your body, and your mind - the only one you have for life; so that you can be your best self for your kids, for your partner, for your family and for your wider community. 

 

When

Location

This event is part of the Mums of the Hills Check Me Out project. In collaboration with Women's Health East and Phoenix Australia our goal is to get women's health back on track following the COVID-19 pandemic and 2021 storms. This project is grant funded thanks to the Yarra Ranges Large Storm and Covid-19 recovery grant.

Lilydale Civic Centre, 15 Anderson Street LILYDALE, Lilydale, 3140, View Map