Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips has a very personal reason for supporting the Shane Warne Legacy Heart Screen Programme which kicks off in Gilmore tomorrow, Tuesday 25 June.
Free heart screening is on offer for 20 days at locations in Nowra, Ulladulla and Batemans Bay.
Mrs Fiona Phillips said the program was close to her heart after her father, a Nowra dairy farmer, died of heart disease when she was just 21 years old.
“My dad was 54 when he died - the same age I am now. He never saw me marry and his grandchildren didn’t get to meet him,” she said.
Mrs Phillips said every sunrise and every sunset was a “reminder to be thankful for being alive”.
“It’s why I’m out early each day walking with my dogs, riding my bike and enjoying our great outdoors,” she said.
“And, it’s why I love our fresh local produce made with heart and soul from the South Coast community.
“I made a promise to myself long ago, to do everything possible to be around to see my children marry, and one day meet their kids too.”
Mrs Phillips said her dad’s death was the reason she became the Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Rural and Regional Health, to help improve health outcomes for people in the Gilmore electorate and communities across rural and regional Australia.
“It’s so important for Shane Warne Legacy Heart Screen program to reach into regional Australia, so people can get their heart health checked, and to spark that conversation with their health practitioner,” she said.
“Tragically, one Australian dies every 12 minutes from cardiovascular disease. We can change that.
“It might be too late for my dad, but if we can help save more lives across rural and regional Australia, then that is definitely worth it.”
The Free Heart Screenings include a finger prick blood test measuring full cholesterol (Lipid Panel), a four-minute SiSU Health Check and a results discussion with a clinician including any follow-up actions or advice.
The consultation is quick and convenient with results immediately available including blood pressure, heart rate, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, cholesterol, lifestyle advice and diabetes risk.
Shane Warne Legacy CEO Helen Nolan said Shane would be “so proud of the awareness we are bringing to communities”.
“Out of such a tragic event, we have discovered a silver lining. Through raising awareness of his passing, we are making a positive difference in people's lives.
“The impact is astonishing and deeply moving for the team at the Legacy and his family. With 24% of people not having their blood pressure checked in over 12 months, it’s crazy. Thanks to Novartis and SiSU Health for supporting this initiative."
Find a list of locations in the Gilmore electorate here Shane Warne Legacy - Heart Screen
Heart health screenings will also be available at the Priceline Pharmacies in Nowra and Ulladulla until 20 July.
Photo: Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips joined with MPs and stakeholders to launch the Novartis Cardiovascular Impact Model at Parliament House in February.
ENDS
June 24, 2024
Media Contact:
Shane Warne Legacy – Sarah McInnes 0402 964 534
Fiona Phillips MP - Katrina Condie 0437 662 967
