Healthy heart of the rodeo

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BULL and bronc riding, campdrafting and other rodeo action can be dangerous, but participants in this year’s Warwick Rodeo will have an extra measure of safety.
In a unique partnership between the National Centre for Farmer Health, Queensland Rural Medical Education and Medicare have initiated a novel program where they are giving free health checks to sportsmen and sportswomen.
All attendees are being encouraged to “Buck and draft out bad health” with visits to the team’s marquee.
“If you are connected with the campdraft and rodeo, we are there to help you,” said Professor Scott Kitchener, Medical Director QRME.
“When heart rates start going up as chutes are opened, there might be more to it than just the excitement of the day.
“The role of the team is to better educate those in the agricultural industry that being mentally and physically up to the task is as vital to their business as their success in the ring.
“It’s a busy time of the year for attendees and what a great way to start – with a check-up!”
A team of health professionals and medical students from Griffith University will be at the rodeo from Wednesday through until Friday to provide health checks and the opportunity for individual health assessments.
Prof Kitchener said the health checks will only take 5-10 minutes.
“That’s quicker than getting a cup of coffee and will cover all the key indicators of health – good or bad.”
“That’s cholesterol, blood glucose, blood pressure and well-being. If there is trouble or even the slightest warning we will find it, and on-site we will be able to refer you to a senior medical practitioner.”
This unique team has an emphasis on preventative health and identifying strategies to agricultural workers to operate at full capacity and still be healthy and safe.