Lismore, 5 December, 2016: HCF, leading not-for-profit health fund, is once again working with Victor Chang to offer free heart health checks for members with extras at HCF Lismore.

The Victor Chang Health Check Booth will be operating from 7th December until 9th December, and includes three quick health tests — blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose - to help members understand and track the risk factors that could affect their heart health. 

HCF’s 2015 Lismore program showed 35% of tested members presented with high cholesterol, and 95% did not know their cholesterol levels. High blood pressure was also recorded for 22% of tested members, an increase of 14% since 2014. 

Recommendation to visit a GP for further assessment and health management was provided to 42% of tested members. These figures show a real need for local members to put their health first. 

HCF Lismore Regional Manager, Peter Schofield, urges local members to take advantage of the simple Heart Health Checks, which assist with detection of treatable and preventable health conditions.

“We’re proud to offer the community a range of services to help our members take control of their health. The Heart Health Checks are one way our members can be proactive about making healthy lifestyle choices now, which will have long-term benefits,” Peter said.
   
Last year’s results reveal that residents need to remain diligent in assessing and monitoring their heart health, and the upcoming visit of the Health Check Booth is the ideal opportunity for members to achieve this.  

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.

Lismore residents can also make use of the many digital tools and free online resources from HCF to help them reach their health and fitness goals. HCF’s suite of healthy apps includes a Get Fitter app, offering advice and tailored exercise plans, a Be Happier app, including tools to improve mental and emotional wellbeing, and a Quit Smoking app to help smokers stay focused on their smoke-free goals. 

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:

• Lauren Neave
  Ph: (02) 9237 2822
  Mob: 0425 259 885
  lneave@buchanwe.com.au

• Rebecca Hands
  Ph: (02) 9237 2817
  Mob: 0424 805 455
  rhands@buchanwe.com.au

About HCF

HCF, leading 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 ancillary programs, HCF gives members access to a wide range of quality health care services with no gap. 

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 100% Australian-based call centres have won multiple national and international awards. 

HCF members also have unique access to 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