Marion, 09 January, 2017 – HCF, leading not-for-profit health fund, is once again working with Victor Chang to offer free heart health checks for members at HCF Marion.

The Victor Chang Health Check Booth will be operating from 18th January until 20th January, 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 Marion program showed almost a third (30%) of tested members presented with high cholesterol, and 76% did not know their cholesterol levels. Recommendation to visit a GP for further assessment and health management was provided to 23% of tested members. These figures show a real need for local members to put their health first.

HCF Marion branch manager, Liam Davis, 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 broad range of services that help members play an active role in their health. The Heart Health Checks are one example of HCF’s initiatives, which empower members to  proactively make healthy lifestyle choices,” Liam 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.

Marion 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 Marion 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. For more information, contact:

• Rebecca Hands
  P:(02) 9237 2817
  M:0424 805 455
  E: rhands@buchanwe.com.au
• Lauren Neave
  P:(02) 9237 2822
  M:0425 259 885
  E: lneave@buchanwe.com.au

About HCF

HCF, leading not-for-profit health fund protecting Australians 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 and HCF Eyecare 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