Townsville, 6 November 2017 – HCF, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund, has partnered with The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute to offer free heart health checks for local members with extras at HCF Townsville.

The Victor Chang Health Check Booth will be operating from 6 – 8 November 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.

With HCF Townsville opening in February this year as part of a branch expansion to support Queenslanders’ health needs, locals will for the first time be able to take advantage of HCF’s partnership with Victor Chang.

The partnership between HCF and Victor Chang is now in its fifth year, continuing to test members for risk factors that could affect their heart health. To date, Victor Chang has tested 55,000 Australians through its heart check booths across the country.

Last year, on average, over half (53%) of HCF members tested across the country did not know their blood pressure, with 1 in 10 people presenting at the Health Check Booth with high blood pressure. A further 3 in 10 people (31%) had high cholesterol, and a third of those tested (32%) were recommended to visit their GP for follow-up.¹

HCF Townsville Branch Manager Cherie Chessher is encouraging locals to take advantage of the free heart health checks.

“We’re excited to host the Victor Chang heart health checks at HCF Townsville for the first time. The checks are quick and easy to do, and it’s a great opportunity for Townsville locals to identify how their heart health is tracking,” said Cherie.

“The tests check for three key heart health indicators – blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol – and results are available on the spot.”

“The new HCF Townsville kiosk has been popular since opening earlier in the year. This is another great way for us to put locals’ health first and engage with our community. We hope to see some friendly faces coming down to take part.”

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 Townsville 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-

Notes to editors:
HCF Townsville is situated at Stockland Townsville, 310-330 Ross River Road, Townsville, 4814 and is open Monday – Friday, 9am - 5pm (excluding public holidays).

Media inquiries to:

• Ellen McIver
  Ph: (02) 9237 2814
  Mob: 0414 137 686
  emciver@buchanwe.com.au
  
  
• Sophia Brockman
  Ph: (02) 9237 2815
  Mob: 0416 558 002
  sbrockman@buchanwe.com.au

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

¹HCF and Victor Chang Health Check Booth Results, 2016. A total of 9644 people across the country were tested for blood pressure, cholesterol level and blood sugar level