Rural Northwest Health (RNH) is encouraging locals to make their health a priority when it brings its Health Promotion team to this year’s Mallee Machinery Field Days.
For many people living and working in rural communities, particularly farmers, finding time to focus on their own health can be difficult. Farmers are around half as likely to visit a GP as non-farm workers, despite research showing that more than 90 per cent of farmers who complete a simple lifestyle health check go on to make positive changes to improve their health.
The RNH team works across Yarriambiack Shire to help people reduce their risk of preventable health conditions, including cancer, by providing practical advice, local programs and free community initiatives that support healthier lifestyles.
Rural Northwest Health Health Promotion Coordinator, Tifaniya Devasia, said the Mallee Machinery Field Days provided an important opportunity to connect with people who might not otherwise prioritise their health.
“At Rural Northwest Health, we’re committed to helping our community live healthier, happier lives. Prevention doesn’t have to mean making dramatic lifestyle changes – it’s often the small, everyday choices that make the biggest difference,” said Ms Devasia.
“Whether it’s protecting your skin, eating well, staying active or knowing when to get checked, we’re here to provide practical advice and support. We want people to feel empowered to take charge of their health.”
RNH delivers a range of health promotion initiatives across the region, including the Stride Squad walking group, which encourages regular physical activity and social connection and the School Achievement Program, which supports schools to adopt a whole-school approach to health and wellbeing.