MHERV the men’s health education rural van is on its way to Ballina, with the support of Rotary, offering free ten minute health checks.
Leanne Garvey is the registered nurse who travels around NSW with MHERV. ‘Don’t hesitate to give ten minutes of your busy day to get free basic health screening,’ she said. ‘It could literally save your life.’
The Rotary Club of Ballina on Richmond last hosted the van in 2019, with over 70 men and women using the free service. Rotary was planning to host MHERV again in 2020, but due to COVID and then the floods, this was postponed.
While the program was originally targeted at men, women are also encouraged to take advantage of a free screening, which covers blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes. The aim is to ensure everyone can receive a basic check-up, as many are not finding time to see their GP regularly.
MHERV sees around 3,500 patients each year, with many clients discovering undetected symptoms. Around 40 per cent require following up with a GP.
Over the past five years, it’s estimated that over 450 lives have been saved because of these free basic health checks.
How it works
The MHERV nurse conducts the tests and discusses any health concerns in the privacy of the consulting rooms within the van.
The screening process is relaxed, confidential and informal. Each consultation takes ten minutes, and provides immediate results.
This free service will be available for walk-ins on the following dates, at the Richmond River end of Moon Street in Fawcett Park, Ballina (this is the same location that the Pink Breast Screen van parks when it’s in town):
- Thursday 26th October 9:30pm – 3:30pm.
- Friday 27th October 9:30pm – 3:30pm.
- Saturday 28th October 9:30am – 12.30pm.
Rotary says a short investment of time can save your life, or the life of someone you love.
Find out more here: www.mherv.com.au.
WOW ! free TEN MINUTE health check.
I get that at my GP already, and you know what ? A TEN MINUTE health check is less than useless, it’s dangerous.
A two hour consultation would approach covering the complex and multi-dimensional needs of a patient, who may be taking in excess of ten medications to treat multiple conditions, often as a result of interactions of their prescribed drugs, possibly from historic and inappropriate prescriptions.
Cheers , G”)
Ken, what is dangerous about getting the basics – blood pressure , cholesterol, diabetes- checked?
We do this at our Men’s Shed every Wednesday. One of our favourites is the prostate examination, always a line-up for that one!