Results of the research show:
- 26% of health check participants believe the health check potentially saved their life
- 49% of health check participants believe the health check improved their health
- 91% of participants would recommend the health check to others
- After a health check, regional participants are more likely to make healthier choices than metro participants
Additionally, the research indicates that 41% of participants made healthier dietary choices up to 12 months after their health check whilst 34% of participants sustained an increase in physical activity.
As a Gippsland-based health fund committed to improving health outcomes for rural and regional Australians, Latrobe Health emphasises inclusivity and equity in healthcare. The findings reveal
disparities in health literacy, with metro participants reporting higher confidence levels than regional participants prior to their health checks. The primary motivator for taking a health check was its free nature, followed by curiosity about personal health, particularly in regional areas where access to health information and services is often limited. Regional participants demonstrated proactivity post-check, notably in improving diet and scheduling follow-up health appointments.
The checks, conducted on SiSU Health Stations, are non-invasive, fast, and free. They include measurements of blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index (BMI), diabetes risk, and estimated heart age - crucial indicators of cardiometabolic health.
"Not only are we seeing immediate wellbeing benefits resulting from health checks, but participants are reporting sustained healthier habits, even up to a year after their health check. The outcomes for people taking advantage of the free health checks are clear – they take only four minutes and can they take only four minutes and can spark positive changes in your life," said Ian Whitehead, CEO of Latrobe Health Services.
"This report shows us that people don't usually book a health check when they feel fine, but that's where this model flips the script. By bringing preventative screening straight into communities, we're making health proactive, accessible, and part of everyday life. That's how real change starts," added Whitehead.
"This latest report reinforces what we've always believed—that early detection saves lives. Knowing that these screenings are making a real difference, helping people take charge of their health, and even preventing tragedies, is exactly why we do what we do. Shane always wanted to leave a legacy that mattered, and seeing these results shows that his vision is truly coming to life," stated Helen Nolan, CEO of Shane Warne Legacy.
The Shane Warne Legacy Health Checks exemplify the critical importance of bringing healthcare to where people are. With the right technology and partnerships, lives can be changed in mere minutes. Thanks to Latrobe Health Services, these life-changing health checks are available for free across Australia, marking a new model for nationwide health intervention.
