General News
15 February, 2023
Cats, TMHS partner for heart health
MORTLAKE Cricket Club will partner with Terang and Mortlake Health Service (TMHS) to provide a free heart health presentation next week.
MORTLAKE Cricket Club will partner with Terang and Mortlake Health Service (TMHS) to provide a free heart health presentation next week.
The session will be held on the Cats’ home turf next Thursday, February 23 at Wilson’s DC Farren Oval at 7.30pm.
The presentation follows a request from the Health Services ‘Partnering with Consumers’ group, following the high profile deaths of national and local identities in 2022.
The evening will include a range of local guest speakers discussing the importance of heart health and the warning signs of a heart attack.
Terang Medical Clinic’s Dr Tim Fitzpatrick will speak, in addition to HARP Care coordinator Colin O’Neill discussing his 12-year ICU cardiac nursing background including at the Alfred, Geelong and Alice Springs hospitals.
Ambulance Victoria’s Chris Stewart will also speak and provide a demonstration on the effective use of a defibrillator.
Mortlake Cricket Club president Simon Ritchie said while the club was happy to support local health initiatives, the topic also hit close to home after the shock death of legendary Australian leg spinner Shane Warne, 52, to a heart attack last year.
“The club is really looking forward to it because so many of us have got no idea about heart awareness,” he said.
“What happened to Shane Warne has given the blokes a kick in to thinking it’s a good idea to have a chat.
“I’m sure we’ll learn a lot from the season.”
Mr Ritchie said the aim of the night will be to take a friendly and fun approach to an important topic.
“I think a few people will get a bit of an awakening, but it will be a laid-back night,” he said.
“It will be very casual, no pressure on anyone and nobody is getting singled out, and then we’ll have a barbecue afterwards.
“We just want to get the blokes and the ladies together and get some important, free information out there.”
TMHS health promotion officer Tanya Glossop said the partnership with the club was appreciated after recent data highlighted the importance of understanding heart health in the region.
“Current health data for Moyne residents released in 2022 shows 5.8 per cent of our population has heart disease, and in Corangamite Shire this increases to 8.8 per cent,” she said.
“Many more are unaware that they have risk factors or symptoms related to heart disease.
“The session will follow the cricket clubs regular training session and is open to all community members to come along, listen to some great speakers and learn something new about their heart and feel confident using a defibrillator.
“Refreshments will be available to purchase.”
For more information contact Ms Glossop on 5558 7000.
