Bendigo Harness Racing Club rallies for men's health.
Bendigo Harness Racing Club will host a Men’s Health Awareness meeting at Lord's Raceway on September 1.
The meeting will be part of the inaugural Bendigo Community Health Services Men’s Health Marathon – 11 days of activities designed to get men out, active and thinking about their health.
The marathon theme is ‘Make men’s health your business – before it’s too late’. Bendigo Community Health Services men’s health nurse practitioner Peter Strange will talk to trainers, drivers and patrons during the September 1 meeting on the importance of men’s health, while Bendigo trainer Paul Campbell will share his own journey.
BCHS staff will be on hand at the meeting to raise awareness of men’s health and take bookings for a special day set aside at the organisation’s Men’s Health Clinic in Eaglehawk for harness racing industry participants to get free health checks.
The first 200 patrons through the gate will receive a Men’s Health Marathon showbag containing important information to get men thinking about their health and taking action.
A special pair of men’s health blue pants will be worn by a driver in each race while race names will promote a different men’s health message.
“We have really appreciated Bendigo Community Health Services being involved in the Bendigo Harness Racing Club, which started after last year’s Staff Development Day and AGM held at Lord’s Raceway," BHRC manager Brendan Baker said.
“It’s marked the beginning of a great relationship which will become stronger after our Men’s Health Awareness race night on September 1, which will benefit our patrons as well as industry participants.
“I think it is crucial that we bring better awareness to not only the people within our own industry but also to the thousands of spectators on and off track right around Australia. I urge anyone from our region to try and get along and bring a mate to our race night on Thursday night, September 1, at Lord’s Raceway, and help spread the men’s health message further into our community.”
BCHS men’s health nurse practitioner Peter Strange welcomed the Bendigo Harness Racing Club’s support in sharing the message that men must look after themselves.
“We want men to be healthy enough to do what they love to do – be with their family, work, fish, golf or whatever their passion might be. I can’t think of a better reason why men should take action to improve their health,” Mr Strange said.
“Men in rural regions of Australia may face distinctive health issues because of their location, work and lifestyle. Overall, men in rural areas are more likely than their urban counterparts to experience chronic health conditions and risk factors. Male deaths increase with remoteness.
“Our message is simple. Get out, get active and get yourself checked regularly – that’s the best way to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Sadly, too many men don’t take this seriously enough and we have to change that.”
Media enquiries:
Michael Howard (HRV Media/Communications Co-Ordinator)
t: 03 8378 0286 | e: mhoward@hrv.org.au | tw: @MichaelRHoward
