Calling All Men to the Van

LOCAL men are encouraged to drop by the Men’s Health Van which is in the forecourt of the Scone Council building today between 10am and 2pm.

The health checks include blood pressure, a cholesterol test, blood sugar levels and measuring height and weight.

Brian Brown with Belinda McKenzie from the Scone Neighbourhood Resource Centre, who is coordinating the Men’s Health Van.

Brian Brown who is 85 years of age and goes to the gym everyday, dropped by for a health check up on Tuesday, when the van was at the Jack Johnston Memorial Day.

“Men generally don’t want to go to the doctor, they’re more reluctant,” he said.

“Rural men can be a bit shy, but I’m not shy,” he laughed.

“The more men that come to the van the better and it costs nothing,” he said.

“It’s important to keep fit and healthy and I love going to the local gym every day except Sunday,” he said.

“We are very fortunate to have such a modern, beautiful facility like the gym with good people, so we need to take advantage of these things,” Brian Brown said.

Erin Thompson and Karina Janson, nurses from the Scott Memorial Hospital, said it is great to see local men using the service.

“It’s very relaxed environment and men can be reluctant to go to a doctor’s surgery so this is a good option for them to have some basic checks,” said Karina Janson.

Erin Finlayson taking Mike Pritchard’s blood pressure.

“We are local girls who understand the stresses of farming life so they can have a chat to us about a range of things,” she said.

Erin Thompson said it was great that they felt at ease in the van.

“It’s good that they are dropping by and it can be a bit isolating being on a farm, but it’s good when they come here that they know they are not alone,” said Erin Thompson.

The Van will also be at the Scone Racecourse on Saturday, between 12pm and 2pm.