The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute is bringing its Health Health Check Tour to Orange later this month, following the recent revelation the Central West is the fourth-fattest region in the state.
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The Heart Foundation of Australia released data last month which showed around 42 per cent of adults living in the Central West are defined as 'obese', alarming figures compared to the national average of 33 per cent.
The data also revealed the region ranked in the top 10 state-wide for risk factors related to heart disease like smoking, high blood pressure and physical inactivity. The death rate for coronary heart disease is also nine percent higher than the national average.
Nurses from the VCCRI will be in Orange on Tuesday, May 18 to provide free heart health checks to Orange residents, they will be doing so from the CWA Hall in Robertson Park from 10am that day. The checks take just 10 minutes.
"Coronary heart disease is killing more Australians than any other single disease and it is largely preventable," VCCRI Heart Health Check Service Manager Jayne Baric said.
"This simple test will only take about 10 minutes but it could save your life."
The heart health check involves measuring the three key modifiable risk factors that contribute to heart disease - blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol.
If needed, a recommendation for either a GP or hospital visit is given.
Ms Baric went on to say now is the perfect time for residents of Orange, the entire nation in fact, to actively try and improve their heart health, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Research shows the pandemic resulted in close to 100,000 Australians going without regular medical advice, testing and monitoring for chronic disease, including heart issues. It's estimated 57,000 Australians suffered heart attacks last year, that's one every 10 minutes.
"COVID-19 has exacerbated some of the risk factors associated with heart disease such as weight gain and reduced physical activity. Now more than ever there is a need for Australians to get checked," she said.
The VCCRI will also host a morning tea on the day, where local residents can engage in an online Q&A session with Professor Jamie Vandenberg, one of Australia's leading heart experts.
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