HCF members with extras cover are being encouraged to head to HCF’s Wollongong branch for a free heart health check, courtesy of the not-for-profit’s partnership with the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute.
The Victor Chang Health Check Booth is a walk-in service and will be at the Wollongong HCF branch from the 20-22 August. It offers three on-the-spot checks in a quick 10 minute session – blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.
HCF, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund, partnered with the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute in 2011 to offer members quick tests to check risk heart health factors. Over 65, 000 Australians – over 73% of who are HCF members - have been tested at the Health Check Booths across Australia.
The latest Health Stats NSW data shows that there were over 960 hospital admissions in the Wollongong area for coronary heart disease per year between 2015 and 2017.[i]
HCF Wollongong Branch Manager, Daniela Mitrevski, hopes more members will come into the branch for a quick heart health check.
“We had 115 members come to our branch for a heart health check last year so we hope to encourage more members this year to take us up on this free health check. Over 70% of people who had a health check last year did not know their blood pressure, cholesterol or blood sugar numbers,” said Daniela.
A third (33%) of people who visited the Health Check Booth in Wollongong either had high blood pressure, cholesterol or blood sugar.[ii]
“This is an easy and convenient way to check your heart health, especially if you haven’t been to see your GP in a while. It may be what you need to make simple lifestyle changes to improve your health. In fact, 26 members were encouraged to see their GP after their check to get more advice on their higher-than-normal readings last year,” said Daniela.
Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute is a not-for-profit dedicated to finding cures for cardiovascular disease.
Tips for a healthy heart
According to the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, there are some simple ways that Wollongong 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.
ABOUT HCF
HCF, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund protecting Australians since 1932, covers over 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 health care 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 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 and HCF Eyecare 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.
[i] Data sourced from Health Stats NSW. Coronary heart disease hospitalisations by age. Wollongong LGA. Access data via http://www.healthstats.nsw.
[ii] Data sourced from Victor Chang Heart Health Checks, Wollongong 2017: 115 members with extras were tested for their blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Members were also asked whether they know their levels or not.
