Free health checks are just what the doctor ordered
Victoria media release
Friday, 23 April 2010
Farmers are being encouraged to take advantage of the free health checks on offer at the Echuca sale yards on Monday, 3 May.
"2 community nurses will be on hand between 10 am and 3 pm to conduct comprehensive health checks for both men and women," explained Centrelink Rural Social Worker, Emma Petersen.
"The service is completely confidential and will include health checks such as blood pressure, diabetes, skin cancer and, for women, breast care – no appointment required.
"Mental health checks will also be available."
The Centrelink initiative has been organised in conjunction with Murray Plains Division of General Practice and Echuca Regional Health.
"A large part of my work as a Rural Social Worker involves visiting farmers and their families at their properties.
"I began to notice that many farmers were coming up with a lot of reasons not to visit their GP, which meant an increase in identifiable health problems within the farming community.
"2 of the biggest reasons given for not visiting a GP were time and cost.
"Having spent most of my life in rural communities, I understand that it can be difficult to take time out from farming responsibilities – the easiest way around this was to bring the health check to them!"
The 1st free health check in October 2009 was a great success. Emma hopes that if the service proves popular it can be extended to other regions.
"I would encourage everyone to take advantage of the free health checks whilst they are at the sale yards on business – your health is just too important to ignore."
For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink media contact.