The results of the four-week Shane Warne Legacy Heart Screen program held across Gilmore are in and, according to Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips, they’re a little confronting. 

The program coordinators have reported the Gilmore outcomes reflect the high cardio-vascular disease risks in rural and regional communities across Australia. 

Of the 1,168 people had a heart check, only 800 participants completed the full screening at the free health stations.

The average age of participants was 61 years and an incredible 83.4 per cent recorded at least one CVD risk factor, such as high blood pressure, high total cholesterol or a BMI over 30, while 10.4 per cent had all three risk factors. 

Results indicated 44.1 per cent of participants were at high risk of developing diabetes in the next five years

In Gilmore, 38.3 per cent of the tests resulted in a GP referral for management and treatment. 

The free health checks were offered in Nowra, Ulladulla and Batemans Bay, as well at the Mogo NAIDOC Week event on 13 July.

An avid supporter of the project Mrs Phillips said she was pleased to see Gilmore residents taking advantage of the free heart checks.

“It really wasn’t surprising to see the results, because there are so many people out there that don’t have their heart health checked regularly,” she said.

After losing her father to heart disease, and as Co-Chair of Parliamentary Friends of Rural and Regional Health, Mrs Phillips is passionate about improving health outcomes for people in the Gilmore electorate and communities across rural and regional Australia.

“It was so important for the Shane Warne Legacy Heart Screen program to reach into Gilmore so people could 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, so with more than a third of Gilmore participants referred to their doctor for a follow-up, you can see how these free checks could definitely save lives.”

Shane Warne Legacy Ambassador Jackson Warne said, “the peace of mind you have once you know your numbers is very reassuring and could save your life”.

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.

Photo: Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips had a free heart health check when the Shane Warne Legacy Heart Screen program visited Mogo.

MEDIA CONTACT: Katrina Condie 0437 662 967