“If we want to talk about women’s health, as it is Women’s Health Week, I think it is really important to prioritise our health as women, not just for this week, but for every day,” Mrs Fleming said.
“Women’s Health Week reminds women to do those checks.
“And regarding education and awareness, people need to know their bodies and understand their risks as well.
“I support them in getting regular screening, such as their mammograms and cervical screens, so that potential issues can be picked up and treated early.
“I think women’s health weeks are an important time for women to advocate for themselves and their health care.
“Ask the questions, seek second opinions if something doesn’t feel right.”
Mrs Fleming does cervical screens, supports the bowel screen program, does assessments for perimenopausal and menopausal women, offers contraception advice, education, referrals and sexually transmitted infection testing, treats menstruation concerns and provides information about healthy bodies and healthy relationships for young people.
Mrs Fleming's role involves providing support and education throughout life’s journey, from puberty onwards, as our bodies evolve and change.
“Giving people an opportunity to come to a really supportive, non-judgmental service that can support you with those questions and assessments and then refer you to different disciplines if that is needed,” she said.
“A big part of my job is education, awareness and giving people the information so that they feel empowered to take that away and do things for themselves as well.
“It is important for us to be doing physical health check-ups, but I think mental health is also really important.
“Making sure women prioritise their mental health and self-care, practising self-care through whatever might work for them.
“Whether it is mindfulness, exercise, or just taking time out to rest.”
Mrs Fleming provides 45-minute consults that are free and can be self-referred.
Mrs Fleming also works through headspace Echuca with people aged 12 to 25.
Young people can contact her through headspace Echuca, 451 High St, Echuca. Phone 5485 5048 for a private one-on-one appointment.
If anyone wants to self-refer to the Echuca Regional Health sexual health nurse Bianca Fleming, contact the Hopwood Centre at ERH on 5485 5801.
As part of Women’s Health Week, ERH sexual health nurse Bianca Fleming will present informative talks at Rochester library at 10.30am and Echuca library at 1.30pm on Wednesday, September 3.
The event is free, but bookings are required.
To book, contact Campaspe Libraries on 5481 2400.
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