Deniliquin’s Local Health Advistory Council was asked to provide a health hub at last month’s Deniliquin Truck Show & Industry Expo, which was proudly supported by the Rotary Club of Deniliquin.
Deni LHAC partnered with Ochre Health and the Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group to cover a range of health areas, and LHAC and MHAG member Lourene Liebenberg said it proved to be a very worthwhile exercise.
“We (LHAC) joined forces with Deni MHAG, as our collective message about health is both physical and mental health - one impacts the other,” Mrs Liebenberg said.
“We did a bit of research around the most common health problems in the truck industry, with back problems, high blood pressure and mental health problems being the most common.
“LHAC approached Ochre Health to provide the mini health checks, and they generously offered their time and equipment to do glucose tests and blood pressure.
“We had doctors Albert Liebenberg, Ian Carey and Attique Zafar there with practice nurse Annie Bulmer.
“Also on board for the day were five other LHAC and MHAG volunteers, bringing to the mix more nurses, a physio and mental health clinicians.
“By creating the interactive mini health check, many constructive conversations happened about some health in general and some suggestions about healthier lifestyle could be introduced.”
Mrs Liebenberg said 80 people took advantage of the health checks, and many more that had mini health checks done on the day sought information on the Lifting Health Outcomes banner topics like stroke and heart disease, participating in interactive quizzes, picking up health fact sheets and having general conversations.
“It was inevitable that the shortage of GPs across the country was a discussion point, and people were reminded that there were some other options to discuss medical concerns.
“We discussed the positives of GP telehealth, where people can speak to a doctor, get advice and get scripts if needed, and handed out this number and copies of our Health Services Guide.
“There were also many conversations about the things we could do as individuals to be healthier, embedding that there are many chronic health conditions that can be improved by taking action ourselves.”
In relation to blood pressure, Mrs Liebenberg said many were advised they could speak to their GP at any time for a check, and that these can also be conducted at most pharmacies.
This with ongoing blood pressure issues, or at high risk, were encouraged to invest in a machine to self test at home.
But Mrs Liebenberg said diabetes risk was more of a concern.
“A number of high blood glucose levels were returned, with some dangerously high,” she said.
“This was indicative of possibly having diabetes, which can be dangerous if not treated.
“Some people were not aware that this was a problem, and of course they were given the advice to see their GP for further testing.”
Deni MHAG’s #sharetheload campaign resonated well with the truck show crowd, and the volunteers were pleased to see blokes were open to talking to them about mental health. Many took the stickers that could go onto their truck, dashboard, esky, toolbox.
“Our messaging around this remains that sharing the load and talking about things that could be a worry is helpful,” Mrs Liebenberg said.
“The #sharetheload campaign stickers and marketing material take you to the Deni MHAG website, with a list of helplines that provide counselling as well.
“We do not have to be in crisis to reach out to a helpline. Lines like the Men’s Helpline provides an opportunity to talk about finances, work stress, family stress and more, and can also follow up with further free counselling.
“One of the other services promoted on the day is the TIACS helpline, offering eight free counselling sessions to truckies, tradies, farmers and blue collar workers
“This can be done via telehealth and phone as well, call or text 0488 846 988, or go to www.tiacs.org.”
MHAG estimates it had at least 100 conversations or interactions with truck show guests on the day.
“LHAC and MHAG all felt it was a fabulous day, worthwhile with lots of good outcomes.
“For us, it is such a great opportunity to engage with community, normalise mental health and wellbeing conversations.”
• Anyone requiring crisis support can contact Accessline on 1800 800 944, Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800. Resources and pathways to help are also available at www.denimentalhealth.org.au.
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