THE Men’s Health Education Rural Health Van (MHERV) will visit Clarence Town next week.
An initiative of Rotary, MHERV is a mobile home-style vehicle which travels throughout rural and regional NSW, providing free health checks for men for issues that are often ignored or overlooked, like high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high cholesterol.
The van spends eight months of the year on the road at a cost of $150,000 per annum, funded predominantly from small private donations and Bunnings BBQs.
A registered nurse travels with the van, aiming to identify potential health concerns before they become serious.
The free five-minute checks are open to all men and include a blood pressure measurement to ensure the heart is not too stressed, a finger pin prick to assess blood sugar levels to check for Type 2 diabetes, and lastly an assessment to see if cholesterol levels are too high and require attention.
The Rotary Club of Raymond Terrace will host the Clarence Town visit, which has been supported by Clarence Town IGA.
Adam Nicholas, Project Manager for Raymond Terrace Rotary, told NOTA, “We hope to see as many people as possible come along.
“These checks are quick, free, and could save your life.”
The van will be located on Prince Street, Clarence Town (beside the IGA) on Tuesday, 25 November from 9.30am to 4.00pm.
There is no cost and no appointment is required.
By Rachael THORPE
