Corowa’s Barry Barker at the Shane Warne machine at Waldron’s IGA, checking his vital health signs.
Corowa Lions Club has hailed its men’s health initiative a major success, with strong community participation and a significant boost in awareness around men’s health and wellbeing.
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The campaign, run during Men’s Mental Health Week, encouraged men to pay closer attention to their health, including exercise, diet, addiction, alcohol use, gambling habits and general wellbeing.
Corowa Lions’ Peter May said flyers and posters helped spread the message, and the offer of free coffee and entry into a draw for a $500 fuel voucher were strong motivators.
“Our main aim was to raise men’s awareness of the importance of paying attention to personal health,” Peter said.
“The Rotary Markets provided a highly visible platform for promoting the initiative, with many attendees taking advantage of the free health checks offered onsite.
“The reaction and support from Corowa people was excellent with several referrals to local health specialists and allied health professionals.”
Corowa Lions Club leased several Shane Warne Free Health Check machines and placed them in local businesses.
The fuel voucher and the second prize hamper were drawn at the markets on August 2, with the fuel voucher going to Russ Miller and the Terry White hamper being won by Jim Quinlan.
During the week-long initiative, 17 men took up the free health checks at Corowa Medical Clinic with others getting health checks with their own doctors at other clinics.
In the weeks following the event, the Lions Club expanded its efforts by leasing several Shane Warne Free Health Check machines and placing them in local businesses, such as Federation Council offices, and Waldrons IGA.
The IGA location was particularly popular, with strong community engagement and regular use of the machines.
“The initiative has strengthened local awareness of men’s health issues and demonstrated the value of accessible, community-based health promotion,” Peter said.
“Plans are already underway to build on the momentum and continue expanding health outreach across the region.”
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