“Mherv” heading our way
WHEN I hear the name ‘Merv’ I immediately think of the cricketer with the handlebar moustache, Merv Hughes, who as my luck would have it I got to spend half a day with a decade ago as part of a promotional visit... exceptional bloke!
So, firstly, a thumbs up to the Rotarians who gave their “Mherv” project such an Aussie name that’s going to catch the attention of the typical Aussie bloke. And this is where it gets a bit more serious...
Back in 2008, Rotarian Tony Mackenzie started discussions with the boss at the Mudgee hospital about ways to improve the health of rural men. Many were leaving it too long to get medical help for ailments.
In true Rotary style, they came up with a solution and made it happen. The Men’s Health Education Rural Van – better known as “Mherv” – is a purpose-built caravan with two consulting rooms and a full-time Registered Nurse who, with the assistance of local community nurses, conducts health tests for rural men.
Mherv is currently on a tour of 56 centres in NSW, including Dubbo today (Thursday, August 31), Narromine on September 2-3, Nyngan on September 5-6, then Bourke, Brewarrina and Lightning Ridge before heading further east.
Lyn Smith from the Rotary Club of Dubbo West told us men can simply roll up for a quick (5-10 minutes), private health checkup. The van will be parked at the Rotunda in Macquarie Street.
We’re told Mherv has already had significant success detecting early signs of diabetes, for example.
So fellas, even if you’re not showing any obvious signs of illness, it’s worth taking the opportunity to get a test – in Dubbo today.