GAINING a better understanding of living a healthy life and how to do so was at the top of the to-do-list at a Passport to Good Health event in Leeton this week.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The initiative was a joint collaboration between the Griffith Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS), Murrumbidgee Medicare Local (MML) and the Leeton Shire Council Bidgee Binge program.
While the aim of the day was to encourage Leeton shire residents to receive a free health check-up, it was also about bringing awareness to medical issues.
On arrival participants were handed a "passport" and were then given a kidney health check, blood pressure test, nutritional and physical activity information, as well as lung tests and facts on alcohol and substance abuse.
MML Aboriginal outreach worker Karen Ingram said the day was about empowering participants.
"It's about giving them the tools and knowledge about a healthy lifestyle," she said.
"It's also a starting point for their health ... what we are encouraging is they take their results from today to their local GP.
"We've been getting really good feedback so far."
The Bidgee Binge program had its commercials screening on the day, as well as information for those wanting to know about alcohol issues.
AMS operations manager James Williams said the Aboriginal community needed to be aware of their health and make steps to improve it.
"We held one in Narrandera (Tuesday) ... we hope to make it an annual thing in our region," he said.
The AMS has various outreach services available in Leeton, with many health specialists present on the day.
Once a health check was completed, each participant received a goody bag that included a guernsey.