A Simple Health Step, A Brighter Future: The Power of “Give to Gain”
The 8th of March is International Women’s Day, a well-recognised day to celebrate the lives of women around the world. The ECCQ Love Health Program joins communities across Queensland in honouring the strength, resilience, and leadership of all women.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Give to Gain.” It reminds us that a small action taken today can create long-lasting benefits for the future. This year’s theme is particularly relevant to health: caring for your health is one of the most valuable investments you can make—for yourself and for your family’s wellbeing.
Taking a proactive approach to your health can make a real difference. One simple but important step is having a routine check-up for key health conditions. Some health conditions do not cause obvious symptoms at first but can have serious long-term effects if left undetected, unmanaged and untreated such as chronic hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis C, HIV, and syphilis.
By giving a little time for a hepatitis blood test, you gain:
• Peace of mind
• Early access to effective monitoring and treatment if needed
• The ability to protect yourself and those you care about
Understanding the Facts
Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
• Hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination. For people living with chronic hepatitis B, it is a manageable condition like other chronic diseases needing regular medical care and monitoring.
• Hepatitis C can be cured. Simple treatments taken over a few months can completely clear the virus.
HIV and Syphilis
• HIV is now a manageable long-term condition. With early testing and effective treatment, people can live long and healthy lives. Treatment also prevents HIV from being passed on to others.
• Syphilis is increasing in Australia. While it is a serious infection, it is easily cured with antibiotics when detected early. Without treatment, it can cause severe health complications.
Give Protection, Gain a Healthy Start: For Expectant MothersPregnancy is a time of special care. Getting tested is one of the most important gifts you can give your baby.
• Hepatitis B: Babies can be fully protected by effective, essential vaccination at birth, and again at 2, 4, and 6 months. If a mother has hepatitis B, additional steps during and after the birth can prevent transmission to the baby. It is important to get the baby tested for hepatitis B 3 months after completing all the vaccination doses.
• Hepatitis C: Knowing your status allows for appropriate care planning. Treatment for hepatitis C can be started after birth.
• HIV: With effective treatment during pregnancy, the risk of passing HIV to a baby is very low.
• Syphilis: Testing and treatment during pregnancy are crucial to prevent serious harm to both mother and baby.
This International Women’s Day, Make the Choice
GIVE yourself the gift of knowledge—talk to your doctor about a simple blood test. You can also contact our program for free rapid hepatitis B and C testing.
GAIN empowerment, protection and health for yourself and your family.
Caring for yourself and your loved ones is the ultimate gain.
Get checked. Stay healthy.
For more information in your language, visit:
www.eccq.com.au/bbv
Or contact our friendly Love Health Program team:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (07) 3844 9166
