HEALTH CHECKS FOR MOREE

On May 30, 2012 the Moree Academy members visited Aboriginal Health for a health check, information session and a BBQ. The Chronic Disease Nurse from Integrated Chronic Care for Aboriginal People Program (ICCAP) talked to the group about kidney, diabetes, heart and lung disease which are all major issues within the Indigenous community.

Diabetes is an issue where education and awareness of the disease are important. With less than 10% of the Indigenous population having reported being diabetic, some Health groups have estimated the number at up to as high as 50% of the Indigenous population being diabetic but not being aware of it. Spreading the information and being tested is a good start.

The Academy Members learned that one in eight Aboriginal or Torres Straight Island people have reported a long term heart related condition. Heart related conditions are almost 1.3 times more common in the Indigenous population compared to the non-Indigenous.
Blood pressure is a condition reported 1.5 times more frequently by Indigenous people than non-Indigenous. After hearing that statistic, the Academy members were very happy to have their blood pressure taken!

Jarom Haines getting his blood pressure checked and Fred Swan waiting for his turn next

Jeffrey Swan listening to the nurses and learning new information about their health

Robert Wade looking very relaxed getting his blood pressure tested

Once all the Academy Members finished their Health Checks, Clontarf student James Smith thanked the staff for inviting us for a checkup and putting on a great BBQ.

James Smith thanking the Aboriginal Health staff for inviting Moree senior academy

The Academy Members gained a lot of valuable information about keeping a healthy lifestyle, diet and well being. The Academy Members found the visit to Aboriginal Health very interesting and were taught the importance of having regular checkups to maintain a healthy life.

Moree Senior Academy Members Robert Wade and Jarom Haines focused on the food