Heart health front and centre in program coming to the South Coast

A national program is bringing free heart health screening to the South Coast.

Heart checks will be available for 20 days at locations in Nowra, Ulladulla and Batemans Bay, and have been organised as part of the Shane Warne Legacy Heart Screen program. The cricketer died in 2022 from a heart attack, at the age of 52.

Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said the program was important to her, as her father, a Nowra dairy farmer, died of heart disease when she was 21.

“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.

The screenings include a finger-prick blood test that measures full cholesterol (or lipid panel), a four-minute SiSU Health Check and a results discussion with a clinician for any follow-up actions or advice.

The consultation provides information on blood pressure, heart rate, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, cholesterol, lifestyle advice and diabetes risk.

In Nowra, the checks will be available 25 June to 29 June and again from 16 July to 20 July.

Ulladulla will host the program from 2 July to 6 July, while Batemans Bay residents will be able to access them from 9 July to 13 July.

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,” she said.

“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.”

Ms Nolan said 24 per cent of people had not had their blood pressure checked in more than 12 months.

Ms 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.”

Ms Phillips said it was vital rural and regional Australians took the time to make sure their health – including their heart health – was as good as it could be.

“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.”

A list of participating locations in the Gilmore electorate, including the location of the checks, is available via the Shane Warne Legacy Heart Screen program’s website.

Heart health screenings will also be available at the Priceline Pharmacies in Nowra and Ulladulla until 20 July.