Heart health: Wear Red for Feb
Did you know that heart disease is still the leading causes of death in Australia?
This February, Heart Research Australia are asking us to wear red for heart health and, if possible, donate to help with heart health research.
Heart attack and stroke are also the leading causes of on-duty firefighter deaths. A big reason for this is that red flags for heart disease aren’t easily detectable without a medical examination, so many people are at risk of having a heart attack without knowing it.
Australians over the age of 45 should have regular heart health checks to test for high blood pressure and cholesterol. During 2023, a new model of Medicare funded heart health checks was released, called the Cardiovascular Risk Score (CVRS) and is available for CFA members.
The CVRS is a screening tool that can detect an individual’s risk of having a heart attack or stroke within the next five years, providing you with a low, intermediate or high risk rating with advice on how to manage your risk. CVRS is validated in Australia for those aged 45-79 (35-79 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders).
The tool doesn’t provide you with a specific diagnosis of a condition but rather your risk, which gives you an opportunity to take steps to change your lifestyle habits (note: only a qualified doctor can provide a diagnosis of specific medical conditions).
For more information on CVRS, visit: cvdcheck.org.au.
CFA Health Services with its team of qualified allied health professionals have been delivering free heart health checks to staff and volunteers for many years through the Health Watch, Health Ready and Roadworthy for Life programs.
Many members are enthusiastic about the programs:
“[Health Watch is a] great way to keep track on health and to address your lifestyle before it becomes a medical concern.” – D07 volunteer
“It [Health Watch] is a great opportunity to monitor our health as a brigade” – D11 volunteer
“It [Health Watch] was great to be able to compare results with last year and identify what I can do to improve my results. Strongly recommend others to take the opportunity to have a health check.” – D09 volunteer
“I would recommend having these health checks to help with future good health.” – D27 DMO
All programs are delivered onsite at your brigade, district office or DMO – making it easier for members to participate.
For employees to participate:
Look out for a calendar invitation and attend your local Health Ready or Roadworthy for Life Program sessions booked in twice per year for each CFA location.
For volunteers to participate:
Book a Health Watch session for your brigade by completing the Online Booking Form.
In addition to our health programs, Health Services has online resources available to members to provide practical tips to improve your heart health. To learn more visit the Heart Health Page on Members Online.
There is no obligation to participate in this program. CFA will not record any personally identifiable information, with health data collection practices in alignment with the CFA Health Programs privacy statement.