Health, Beauty and Fitness
Health Matters by Sue Lennon
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ext month, September, is all about Gynae Awareness around the world, some organisations keeping the focus on gynaecological cancer awareness and support, others widening the reach and including everything else besides, from menses to menopause and fertility to fun. In France it is ‘Septembre Turquoise’, and the theme is the prevention and early detection of cancer of the uterus, cervix and vulva. As anyone who has seen a gynaecologist here will know, the gynae service also concerns itself with breast care, but of course breast cancer has its own month (October Rose).
ordinary women can be encouraged to talk, to share and make aware!! I was so taken with this idea that I chatted to three women from a little association called ‘Le Uni Vers Soi 79’ to see if we could do something together (I didn’t want to be the only woman in the supermarket queue with my red pants over my jeans!) and they agreed. So, on 10th September, we have a few activities planned, a bit of chat and a ‘picnicpartager’ to look forward to! It’s an opportunity to: Find out who uses which gynaecologist, where and whether they are menopause friendly. To talk about things like how our kids or grandkids ‘do’ sex education in France and what needs to change. To understand what a sage-femme does and how you get your smear test done. To find out what you can expect to happen if you do present with bleeding beyond the menopause, and what support is available in all areas - not only medically but socially, financially and emotionally too. And here’s the best bit, it’s not compulsory to have a vagina to be allowed in! I’m really excited about it as it is the first time that I have been involved in planning an event here but at the same time am nervous that rural France may not be ready for ‘La Journée des Coulottes Rouge”. So, having called the men to action for Men’s Health Day in June, ladies it’s your turn! If you aren’t coming to our gig in Chiché, is there something that you can do on Red Knickers Day?
I came across all of this information in a very roundabout fashion, having linked with a woman called Kath Mazzella who lives in Australia. She was diagnosed with a gynaecological malignancy some years back and after all her treatment was done, decided to devote herself to breaking down the barriers and stigmas associated with these usually very private cancers. As a result of a great deal of campaigning she has received all kinds of awards, including the Australia Medal, but the reason I mention this woman who lives halfway around the world is that she hopes to make one day, the 10th September, ‘International Red Knickers Day’ for gynae awareness. A day when 50 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, August 2022
Could you have a gathering to share practical knowledge on all things gynae? How about you talk to the teenagers in your family about what the menopause is (and include the boys too, one day a woman they love may thank you) or maybe you find support for yourself if you have been through a gynae health challenge and never had the emotional care you needed? I had an email from our friend Ameli in April, who told me that psychology is now available under the MonPsy scheme with an ordonnance from your MT. If that is not possible for you, remember that there are lots of English-speaking counsellors that work online. You don’t have to cope alone! If you need help, seek it. Because you’re worth it.
Sue x
