The Hume Men’s Shed Sunbury is partnering with a cardiac research institute to provide free heart health check-ups to community members this Friday.
Partnering with the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute and receiving a government grant for the initiative, 10-minute appointments are available to be booked online, with the checks providing measurements of blood pressure, total cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, with advice provided following the session.
Shed secretary Albert Achterberg said the idea for the partnership came about because the men’s shed is always looking “for opportunities to look after the [members’] health.”
“Recently, we had a guy there who didn’t recognise the symptoms and luckily we did, and we called the ambulance and that certainly saved his life … we’re at a vulnerable age,” Mr Achterberg said.
He said all members of the community are invited to attend a heart health check, with online pre-booking required.
“It’s just to turn around and give them the opportunity to check it out, because sometimes they don’t want to go to a doctor,” he said.
Along with this initiative, the shed will also provide free first aid training to some of its members – funded through a grant – and in the past has invited Ambulance Victoria representatives to the shed to demonstrate how to use defibrillators.
“[An] important part of the men’s shed is [members’] health, and it’s a place where you can discuss it freely,” Mr Achterberg said.
The heart health check appointments will be provided at various start times throughout the morning on Friday, March 7 at the Environment Centre Building of the Hume Men’s Shed Sunbury, 158-160 Evans Street, Sunbury.
Bookings: tinyurl.com/4wr9vh4t
