Women Are Key to Improved Family Health

Women Are Key to Improved Family Health March 21, 2013

Mothers play a crucial role in influencing the lifestyle and activity behaviours for their families, but often they put everyone else’s needs before their own.

Fobbie Babe-Hamilton, HR Manager for Accuro Health Insurance, says too many mothers don’t set enough time aside for themselves. She says it’s important when managing a family to be active and healthy with a commitment to wellbeing.

“Being physically fit has some great side effects, more energy to keep up with the demands of a busy family, increased confidence, longer life and, because of the endorphins created through exercise, you are happier,” she says.

Fobbie’s employer, Accuro Health Insurance, agrees and has been active in sponsoring a number of health initiatives with a particular emphasis on women’s involvement. Most recently Accuro became a sponsor for the Wellington East Netball Club.

This week their General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Kelleigh Aston, presented 150 training T-shirts at the club’s AGM. The distinctive white Ts have the Wellington East logo wrapped around the side, the Accuro logo on the sleeves and the Health Insurer’s values – Taking Care of You – on the front and back.

“Accuro really wants to build strong relationships with like minded organisations and do what it can to support women in matters relating to their own and their family’s health,” Kelleigh says. “We believe women in sport have a huge influence on bringing the next generation through into a healthier lifestyle.”

Fobbie, who devotes her recreational hours to Wellington East Netball, supports a lifestyle based on balancing home, family, work and recreation. She’s been influential in encouraging other staff to join the club and in the creation of two staff teams to enter the Twilight League netball.

The staff consensus meant Accuro’s decision to support the club was easy.

“We strongly believe in health and wellbeing and the strong influence women have in all matters relating to the health decisions of the family,” says Accuro CEO, Bruce Morrison.

“We encourage everyone to be fit and make pro-active decisions relating to health rather than facing the concern of ill health later. We’re well aware of the important influence women have in matters relating to health choices, including the decisions about health insurance. Women generally seem to take these matters more seriously than their male counterparts, who can be notoriously blasé about their health.”

The sponsorship of the training Ts has been welcomed by Assistant Club Captain, Marijke Preston. “Accuro’s values on health and wellbeing are in line with what Wellington East is trying to promote. It’s important for the club to identify with a healthy brand. The smart training gear also reinforces the culture of Wellington East.”

Both the club and Accuro have a strong message for mums who think they’re a little too old to play netball.

“Wellington East’s 15 teams have players and coaches ranging from 20 to 50 years of age and are seeking new members, so if you’re interested go to the Wellington East Netball website and find out more,” they say.

Anything Accuro can do to encourage the wider community to engage in healthier lifestyles has got to be good.”

© Scoop Media