Women’s health book launched

Press, 3 December 1987, Page 30

Women’s health book launched

PA Wellington A personal health record book for women has been launched by the Department of Health’s chief health officer, Dr Karen Poutasi. The passport-sized record book aims to give women more control over their health information and to encourage them to be more responsible for their own health. Designed by the Women’s Health Committee in consultation with various women’s groups, it has space to record all contacts with the health system and includes a memo section to record “things to ask” on the next visit to the doctor. Dr Poutasi said the book would encourage better relationships with doctors. While many women were satisfied with the care given by their individual general practitioner, they also wanted more equal roles and more readily available information.

"I hope that all health professionals will see this as one practical way of

improving their relationships with women,” she said. The record book was not a comprehensive guide to women’s health issues. Present issues in women’s health were complex and would not be easily solved, and improvements to women’s health status would need big changes to both services and attitudes. “This record book is a small cog in the bigger process of change. I hope it will stimulate involvement and self-awareness and encourage women to keep important information about their health,” she said.

Women’s Health Committee chairwoman, Dr Judith Johnston, said it was hoped further record books would be produced in Maori and Polynesian languages.

Copies are available from Health Books for Wwnen, PO Box 40613, Upper Hutt, at $5 each.