LISMORE, 6 December 2017 – HCF, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund, is partnering with The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute to bring free heart health checks to members with extras at HCF Lismore, following the branch’s recent re-opening after the community’s experience with North Coast floods.

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 6 – 8 December, 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.

HCF Lismore’s 2016 program highlighted an opportunity for local members to put their health first, with just over a quarter (26%) of tested members presenting with high cholesterol, over three-quarters (78%) not knowing their cholesterol levels and over half (58%) not knowing their blood pressure. Another quarter (28%) of tested members were also recommended to visit a GP for further assessment and health management.

Lismore Branch Manager, Rebecca Simmons, encourages all local members with extras to come down and take advantage of the free health checks.

“With the community going through a bit of a hard time, we’re excited to officially re-open HCF Lismore with these complimentary heart health checks that are a handy way for members to gain important insights on their heart health. The tests check for three key indicators of cardiovascular health, and show members how their individual heart health is tracking. We also provide a range of helpful tricks and tips that can help members improve or maintain their test scores, so we encourage all our members with extras to stop by the refurbished branch to take advantage of the free checks,” said Ms. Simmons.

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 Lismore 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:

• Natalie Hasapaki
  Ph: (02) 9237 2815
  Mob: 0438 001 253
  nhasapaki@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