Kaye Speers takes the Shane Warne Legacy Health Check.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Residents from across the region are being encouraged to follow in the footsteps of Rochester community members and have a health check.
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Rochester residents came together for a barbecue in the name of health on Friday, June 20.
This year’s Shane Warne Legacy Health Check built on last year’s event, which had 694 participants and revealed some concerning statistics.
Results from the health check machine found over 41 per cent of participants had high blood pressure, while others learned about their cardiovascular health and diabetes risks.
Rochester Lions Club president John Atley said the Rochester Business Network funded the health check machine, which is set up at the Rochester Sports Museum.
Given the museum’s connection to the late cricketer John Forbes, Mr Atley said it was a great opportunity to host the initiative.
He also encouraged community groups across Campaspe Shire Council who are interested in using the service to reach out and combine the trip with a museum tour.
“It was a really perfect fit for Shane and John Forbes to work together again in saving lives,” he said.
“Last year, people went and had a few checks, and there’s a lot of people who got shocks with those figures.”
Mr Atley said he noticed some people who used the machine made lifestyle changes, including eating healthier and becoming more active.
The Shane Warne Legacy Health Check is back in Rochester. Pictured are Julianne Hand, Belinda Cooper-Green, Donna Campbell, Paul Butler, Damien McInnes and Tony Roudis.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
“Since the floods, (residents have) concentrated on their houses and insurances. That health side sort of dropped off, which showed,” he said.
Based on last year’s results, Mr Atley said that Rochester and Elmore District Health Service started new programs to address the issues found.
At the barbecue, Rochester Fish Shop owner Tony Roudis was joined by Lions members behind the grill to serve up free souvlakis for attendees.
Mr Roudis said the initiative was all about raising awareness of possible health issues that people may otherwise miss.
The Legacy health machine will be on-site at the museum for the next three months, and is free to use.
Results from the machine, which focuses on cardiovascular health, are emailed to users once the five-minute test is complete.
Mr Atley is encouraging participants to re-take the test after three months at a community breakfast to compare their initial results and see any changes.
The museum is open Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 3.30pm, but tours on other days can be arranged by phoning Bob Knight on 0438 843 444.
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