SOUTH East residents will have the opportunity to undergo a free health check this week by the South East Regional Community Health Service (SERCHS) as part of the annual Pit Stop initiative.
Now in its 12th year, the Pit Stop health initiative is based on comparing different sections of the body to the mechanical workings of a car.
Country Health SA South East regional director Jayne Downs said the challenge at the Pit Stop will see if your body engine is fine-tuned.
“Regular preventative maintenance is promoted and encouraged to ensure your body machine is firing on all cylinders,” she said.
While the Pit Stop sessions are light-hearted, SERCHS registered nurse Lisa Maywald said they provide potentially life-saving health checks.
“Registered nurses, a podiatrist, dietitian, social worker and continence nurse will be on hand to provide checks and advice,” she said.
“Free cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar level checks will be provided as well as information displays on various health topics, including men’s and women’s health, continence, quitting smoking, mental health, foot care, healthy eating and how to minimise alcohol consumption.
“Nursing students from University of South Australia will also be practising their skills under the direct supervision of registered nurses as part of a long-standing collaboration between the university and the SERCHS Local Health Network.”
Pit Stop checks will be held on Thursday at the Mount Gambier Central shopping centre from 10am to 3pm with no appointment required.
