The Rotary Clubs of the western area of district 9670 are combining with the Greater Western Area Health Service (GWAHS) to assist Men’s Educational Rural Van (MERV) and its nurse unit manager, Andrew Whale to provide the community with specialised men’s health assistance.

This is a mobile health check-up and information service that travels to workplaces and community sites.

Men have their blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol levels checked followed by a discussion with a community nurse about men’s health issues.

The men are provided with information about heart disease, alcohol consumption, smoking, prostate cancer, bowel cancer, sexual health, testicular self examination, healthy eating, exercise and mental health.

Over 15,000 men have visited MERV at workplaces and community events in the central west and this is the first time the van has ventured out west.

About 50 per cent of men who visit MERV are aged between 41 and 60, and more than a third of the visitors had not seen a doctor within the past 12 months.

Feedback from men who accessed the van indicated:

o 83 per cent of men accessing MERV for the second time had followed most of the recommendations given at the first visit

o 98 per cent found the program worthwhile and effective in raising men’s health awareness

o 97 per cent would visit the van if it returned to their workplace or community.

MERV will be in Narromine on Tuesday May 20 2008 in the lay-by behind the cenotaph on the corner of Dandaloo and Burroway streets and Mr Whale will be expecting several men to visit his caravan for this free service.

He will also be a guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Narromine on the same Tuesday night.

Local men are uged to come along and take advantage of this service for your sake and the sake of your family.