Get a free check-up at health day
“If even just one person is alerted to a potential health problem they have after attending our health check day, then we will have made a valuable difference to our community.”
Mark Masters, one of the Toko Lions involved in the Toko and Stratford Lions community health promotion day next week, says he hopes lots of people take the opportunity to have a free health check on the day.
“Even if you think you are perfectly fit and healthy, it makes sense to come along and confirm that. You wouldn’t drive a car which hadn’t had a warrant of fitness just because it looked okay, so why not get a warrant of fitness for yourself?”
Mark says health professionals he has talked to point out the danger of “the unworried unwell”.
“By this they mean people who aren’t concerned about any minor symptoms, aches or pains they experience, ignoring them or putting them down to age. Not going to see a health professional when your body is trying to tell you it needs help can put your overall health at risk.”
The community health check day means people can talk to a wide range of specialists and professionals about a wide range of symptoms or concerns, without having to make an appointment or pay for it.
“Whether the health checks raise any alerts or not, you win either way. Either you have the reassurance of knowing you are healthy and can carry on as you are, or you may learn you are at risk or need to make some changes.”
With Christmas just around the corner, talking half an hour or so out of your day to have a health check is a gift for you and your family, says Mark. “Give your family the gift of your health this year, so you will be around to spend many more Christmasses with them.”
■ Stratford and Toko Lions Community Health Promotion Day: Stratford War Memorial Centre, Thursday, December 13,
10am-2pm. Free.