COFFS HARBOUR, 7 August 2017  – HCF, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund, has once again partnered with The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute to offer free heart health checks for members with extras at HCF Coffs Harbour. The partnership between HCF and Victor Chang, now in its fifth year, has seen almost 50,000 members tested across Australia for risk factors that could affect their heart.

The Victor Chang Health Check Booth will be operating from 7th to 9th August, and includes three quick health tests — blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose – to help members understand and track these factors that can impact their heart health.

HCF’s 2016 Coffs Harbour program highlighted a need for local members to put their health first, with over a third (37%) of tested members presenting with high cholesterol, two-thirds (66%) not knowing their cholesterol levels and half not knowing their blood pressure. One in three tested members were also recommended to visit a GP for further assessment and health management.ⁱ

HCF’s Head of Northern Region, Peter Schofield, says the Heart Health Checks give members the opportunity to better understand their heart health risks:

“Looking at last year’s Victor Chang Heart Check Booth results, we can see that local members should be conscious of making positive health choices, such as eating a well-balanced diet, cutting down on salt and reducing their overall alcohol intake.

“We’re pleased to once again offer members in the local Coffs Harbour community the opportunity to pop into the HCF branch and have a quick test for heart health risk factors. The Heart Health Check gives everyone who is tested the opportunity to make informed, positive decisions about their lifestyle habits, while those who are found to have high results will be encouraged to pay their GP a visit,” Mr Schofield said.

The Heart Health Checks are free for members with extras cover thanks to HCF’s ongoingpartnership with the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, a not-for-profit dedicated to fighting cardiovascular disease through research.

Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour 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 enquiries to:

Media inquiries to:

• Ellen McIver
  Ph: (02) 9237 2814
  Mob: 0414 137 686
  emciver@buchanwe.com.au

• Sophia Brockman
  Ph: (02) 9237 2815
  Mob: 0416 558 002
  sbrockman@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 programs, HCF gives members access to quality health care 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 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

ⁱData sourced from Victor Chang Heart Health Checks, Coffs Harbour 2016: 175 members with extras were tested for their blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Members were also asked whether they knew their levels or not.