Lets all talk about health

Based on the recent news from the Government, and in response to its menopause recommendations, I think now is the time to start looking at the positive changes we can all make in order to improve our menopause experiences. Especially those felt by the women around us.

It’s great that so much awareness has been raised by celebrities and MPs, and they’ve helped remove the stigma, but we need to take real action for the real people - practical solutions for our everyday ‘normal’ lives.

I think this needs to start with ordinary conversations and putting women’s health at the top of the agenda.

Talking to their employers – about the impact the menopause is having on them and their colleagues, about the support they need and why it is important, and start holding them accountable for implementing change.

Talking to their families – about how they are feeling, about how they can be supported, about working together to cope through it.

Talking to their friends – to share experiences, validate feelings, share coping strategies, encouraging a network of support.

Talking to their GP – seeking help and advice, advocating for themselves, and not being fobbed off, pushing for help and support.

We need to get conversations started in the trenches, and the first step for the Government is to launch a visible public health campaign – a platform for real life stories to be shared, talking about what help we need and how to seek treatment, so that we can all play a part in actioning change. Today. Sarah Banks, Author

The Menopause Positivity Planner