Men are often not good at taking care of their own health and when something feels off, they seldom call a doctor.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
What many don't know is that Rotary has been changing this throughout New South Wales for some time and has achieved considerable success with the men's health education rural van (MHERV).
A registered nurse travels with the van around the state and undertakes free basic health checks for men.
The checks include blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose levels.
Many rural and regional towns have been visited by MHERV over the past 20 months and close to 3,000 men have been tested over this time.
John Drinan, from the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie Sunrise, said the van has seen real, positive changes in the lives of the men who visit.
"The visit by MHERV to Port Macquarie in April 2018 was a huge success with 112 people tested over two days which is a state record," Mr Drinan said.
"The good news is that MHERV is back and will be visiting Port Macquarie again on May 21 and 22.
"The idea is to provide free basic health checks for men who have not had the opportunity or resources to have a health check in the last 12 months or more".
The van is going to be parked at Town Green near Town Square between 10am - 4pm on both days and Mr Drinan encourages any man to come for a visit.
"If you can't remember last time you visited a doctor you should take the opportunity that MHERV provides for some free basic health checks that could save your life," he said.
"Just get yourself down to Town Green and all results are confidential."
The statistics compiled of those who have been tested since MHERV commenced servicing this vital need indicate that many lives have been prolonged and a number of lives have most likely been saved.
What else is making news, sport?
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE.