Wollongong, 15 August, 2018 - 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.
  

Issued on behalf of HCF by Palin Communications. Media enquiries to:

• Karina Durham
  Ph: (02) 9412 2255
  M: 0402 307 056
  E: karina@palin.com.au
• Rachel McWhinnie
  Ph: (02) 9412 2255
  M: 0490 778 725
  E: rachel@palin.com.au

ABOUT HCF

HCF, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund protecting people since 1932, covers around 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 healthcare 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 Heart 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. 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