Endometriosis Awareness Week 2-8 March 2009

Raising Endometriosis Awareness
- Walk spreads the message

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For the first time in New Zealand, international Endometriosis Awareness week will be marked on 2-8 March 2009.

Endometriosis Walk for Awareness, a funwalk in Hamilton on Wednesday 4 March aims to reach the 20,000 women in the Greater Waikato who may have endometriosis - many will not be aware of this significant condition and its impact. The funwalk around Hamilton Lake is expected to attract at least 500 participants - dressed in purple.

Annette Evans, funwalk co-ordinator from community organisation Endometriosis Waikato, said “endometriosis is very common, affecting an estimated 1-in-5 women and teenage girls and can dramatically impair quality of life.”

“The most common symptom of endometriosis is painful periods, characterised by taking pain relief, bed rest and time off work or studies. Endometriosis is also a leading cause of fertility problems.”

“The average time from first symptoms to diagnosis is a staggering 10 years – often because women and teen girls ‘normalise’ the pain until it becomes overwhelming. It is frequently confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).”

“Women need to recognise that painful periods are not normal and seek medical help, asking their GP for a referral to a gynaecologist specialising in endometriosis”, Annette said.

Lisa Hall, formerly a Hamilton student now nursing in Auckland, knows first-hand the impact of endometriosis. “I had a lot of time off school with very heavy periods with a gripping, twisting pain that radiated from my stomach to my legs. Although I attended a girls school I found it very difficult to explain to anyone how I felt so unwell. It was a very lonely time for me.”

“Endometriosis Waikato gave me the opportunity to talk with people who understood what we were going through”

“Girls and women need to be heard by loved ones, support people and medical practitioners, when voicing their concerns about endometriosis. In sharing our experiences, together we can help each other.” said Lisa

“Endometriosis Waikato can demystify endometriosis to enable women to make informed decisions about treatment options. It is important that women and their families aren’t left facing a significant health problem in isolation.” said Annette.

Funds raised from the funwalk will be used to support community services. Entry is $5, with children under 16 free. Spot prizes valued at a total of $3000 will be awarded at the end of the funwalk. Group registrations are encouraged, with a special prize for the ‘Most Spectacular’ registered group. Late registrations can be made at the event at Hamilton’s Innes Common Lakeside 4-5:15pm with a warm-up at 5pm and the walk starting at 5:30pm

“Endometriosis Waikato extends a huge thank you to Contours Hamilton City and Contours North City for their generous support and awesome enthusiasm. Thanks also to our other key supporters: Print House, Hardy’s Health Stores, Health 2000 Cambridge, Community House Morrinsville, Community Radio Hamilton, The Audio Consultant, Landpower Waikato, The Green Frog Sign Co and Laser Copy Technology. Their support has made this inaugural event possible” said Annette.

For further event information see
www.endometriosiswaikatoorg.nz

ENDS

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