HCF ARMIDALE encourages locals to put their health first with free heart health checks

ARMIDALE, 20 September 2017:  HCF, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund, has once again partnered with The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute to offer free heart health checks for members with extras at HCF Armidale. Now in its fifth year, the partnership between HCF and Victor Chang tests members for risk factors that could affect their heart. To date, Victor Chang has tested 55,000 Australians through its Health Check Booths across the country.

The Victor Chang Health Check Booth will be operating from 20 - 22 September 2017, and includes three quick health tests — blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose – to help members understand and track these factors that can impact their heart health.

When the booth last visited the Armidale branch in 2015, the results highlighted a need for local members to put their health first, with over a third (37%) of tested members presenting with high cholesterol 79 per cent not knowing their cholesterol levels and over half (56%) not knowing their blood pressure. Another 37 per cent of tested members were also recommended to visit a GP for further assessment and health management.i

HCF Armidale Branch Manager, Robyn Browning says previous results highlight that locals should be proactive in assessing their heart health.

“The heart health checks are a fantastic opportunity for the local Armidale community to make sure they are prioritising their heart health. Ideally, each of us should be mindful of our lifestyle and the effect this can have on the heart. For example, increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables in our diets; ensuring we include thirty minutes of moderate exercise per day, and taking steps to minimise alcohol intake can all play an important role.”

“We are proud to offer the heart health checks to the Armidale community as a way for locals to easily identify when they would benefit from a follow up visit to their GP,” added Browning.

The Heart Health Checks are free for members with extras cover thanks to HCF’s ongoing partnership with the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, a not-for-profit charity dedicated to fighting cardiovascular disease through research.

Tips for a healthy heart
According to the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, there are some simple ways that Armidale residents can maintain a healthy heart:

  • Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables and choose lean meats and poultry.
  • Cut down on salt.
  • Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every day.
  • Curb your alcohol intake. No more than one or two standard alcoholic drinks per day is recommended.
  • Quit smoking.
  •  Know your risk factors for heart disease.

-ENDS-

Issued on behalf of HCF by WE Buchan. Media inquiries to:

About HCF

HCF, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund protecting people since 1932, covers around 1.5 million members with health and life insurance, community care, travel and pet insurance. On average over the last five years, HCF has paid out more cents in every dollar in premiums to members as benefits than the industry average. With over 35,000 specialists participating in its Medical Gap Cover Scheme and approximately 10,000 providers participating in its 100% back More for You programs, HCF gives members access to quality healthcare with no gaps or minimal costs compared to non-participating providers. To empower members to put their health first, HCF also offers a range of health and lifestyle services including its My Health Guardian health management program, mobile Victor Chang Heart Health Checks and My Global Specialist second opinion service. HCF’s national network of retail outlets and Australian-based call centres have earned multi-award winning status. HCF members also have access to low cost, high quality services at HCF Dental Centres. Having contributed $50 million to support the health services research funded by the HCF Research Foundation, HCF is devoted to investing in the future of Australia’s health. To learn more about HCF go to hcf.com.au/about-us

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Data sourced from Victor Chang Heart Health Checks, Armidale 2015: 133 members with extras were tested for their blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Members were also asked whether they knew their levels or not.