NCL launches free women's health course at inaugural symposium

New College Lanarkshire has launched a free online course on women's health as part of their campaign to improve health in Lanarkshire.

The module was launched at the college's Women's Health Symposium today, which is part of their Better Than 52 initiative, focused on the fact that healthy life expectancy in North Lanarkshire is just 52. The lowest level in Scotland.

The module can be accessed without charge through the college's online platform, The Learning Well, and is titled Women's Health and Wellbeing Across the Lifespan.

The SCQF Level 5| module offers an introduction to how biology, social context, and structural inequalities shape women's health outcomes; and offers practical guidance for improving health.

Professor Anna Glasier OBE, the Scottish Government's Women's Health Champion, told the symposium that a focus on women's health was essential.

She said: "Women experience different health problems from men and more women in Scotland, 36% of women, report long-term health conditions. Disability-free life expectancy is lower for women."

The symposium also saw presentations from Glasgow Women's Aid on the impact of domestic abuse on women's health, Christine Brown on the work of Maggie's Cancer Care, and Dr Joanna Crispell, Head of Brain Health Scotland, to offer a holistic approach to all aspects of women's health.

Lynn Orr, Head of the College's Department of Dental Health and Social Care, said the module was intended to offer an entry point for anyone who wanted to know more about women's health.

She said: "The module equips members of the public with skills to think differently about women's health, their own and that of their loved ones. At a time when there is so much misinformation about health out there, it offers a rigorous, expert-led approach to women's health that anyone can access."

The symposium was the first event in the college's Better Than 52 campaign, which is a response to the low levels of healthy life expectancy in North Lanarkshire.

Christopher Moore, Chief Executive of New College Lanarkshire, said: "A healthy life expectancy in North Lanarkshire of 52 years is not what any of us want or can accept. At New College Lanarkshire we are resolved to play our part to secure healthier lives for people in our communities. We know that education leads to healthier lives. Our Better Than 52 programme is the bold, focused and determined way in which we will rise to this crucial challenge."

The module can be accessed at this link.