Heart Health Tour back on the road
Australians urged to get their heart checked after COVID-19 increased risk factors for heart disease
30 April 2021
The Institute’s team of nurses will be criss-crossing NSW to carry out the free heart health check service.
Thousands of Australians will be undergoing the 10-minute heart health checks over the coming weeks, including having their cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure levels checked.
With an estimated 100,000 Australians going without regular medical advice during the global pandemic, this year’s tour is considered more vital than ever.
“Coronary heart disease is killing more Australians than any other single disease and it is largely preventable. 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,” said Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute Heart Health Check Service Manager, Jayne Baric.
Funded by the IMB Bank Community Foundation, the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute Heart Health Tour will visit towns across NSW including Ulladulla, Sylvania and Gosford.
“The IMB Bank Community Foundation has supported the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute Heart Health Check Service for seven years with over $365,000 of funding, which highlights our desire to help build a healthier future for all Australians,” said Robert Ryan, IMB Bank CEO.
“The grant from IMB Bank Community Foundation has made the Heart Health Tour possible which means Australians can access potentially life-saving heart health check-ups.”
“The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute is one of IMB Bank Community Foundation’s major funding recipients. It is one of the many programs and projects that we have funded over the last 21 years, which aim to provide better, safer and more sustainable outcomes for all of the communities we call home.”
To date our team has tested over 80,000 people and more than 30%, had one or more results outside of healthy range and were recommended to follow up with their GP.
The Heart Health Tour is possible thanks to a $150,000 grant from the IMB Bank Community Foundation, which has opened applications for 2021.
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For all media enquiries and interview requests, please contact:
Julia Timms
Head, Media & Communications
j.timms@victorchang.edu.au
0457 517 355
Acknowledgement of Country
The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
