Cairns, 9 November 2017 – HCF, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund, has partnered with The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute to offer free heart health checks for local members with extras at HCF Cairns.

The Victor Chang Health Check Booth will be operating from 9 – 10 November 2017, 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.

With HCF Cairns opening in February this year as part of a branch expansion to support Queenslanders’ health needs, locals will for the first time be able to take advantage of HCF’s partnership with Victor Chang.

The partnership between HCF and Victor Chang is now in its fifth year testing members for risk factors that could affect their heart health. To date, Victor Chang has tested 55,000 Australians through its heart check booths across the country.

Last year, on average, over half (53%) of HCF members tested across the country did not know their blood pressure, with 1 in 10 people presenting at the Health Check Booth with high blood pressure. A further 3 in 10 people (31%) had high cholesterol, and a third of those tested (32%) were recommended to visit their GP for follow-up.

HCF Cairns Branch Manager Rebecca Jackson is encouraging locals to take advantage of the free heart health checks.

“We’re proud to be able to offer this complimentary service. The heart health checks help to empower our local members. Based on their results, members can better understand whether or not there’s a need to make any proactive lifestyle changes.

“The new HCF Cairns kiosk has been well-received since opening this past February. It’s great to have a local presence and be able to engage face-to-face with our members and the broader community.”

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.

Tips for a healthy heart

According to the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, there are some simple ways that Cairns 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-

Notes to editors:
HCF Cairns is situated at Cairns Central, Kiosk KU11, 1-21 McLeod Street, Cairns, 4870 and is open Monday – Friday, 9am - 5pm (excluding public holidays).
 

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, 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

ⁱ HCF and Victor Chang Health Check Booth Results, 2016. A total of 9644 people across the country were tested for blood pressure, cholesterol level and blood sugar level.