Put yourself over the pits, or on the hardstand, for a Fast Track Pit Stop
A lot of people would appreciate the hard work and effort that goes into maintaining something we love, whether it’s a new car, a valued piece of machinery, or our weekend toys (boat, motorbike, 4×4). If we don’t service and look after our machines regularly it will eventually affect their performance and easy-to-fix problems may be compounded, costing us extra time and money.
So why is this any different to our wellbeing and health? To put it simply, if we neglect our wellbeing and health (whether it be physical, mental or social/spiritual) it will eventually catch up with us and could cost us more than just time and money.
Do we think about the way this flows on to affect other facets of our lives, whether it be our relationships (family, work or business), loss of function, or even participation in the things we enjoy?
It is important to recognise that the ageing process throws up all sorts of changes and complications. Sometimes illness and diseases can’t be avoided, however, something as simple as a ‘routine service visit,’ or discussion with our GP or treating health professional may assist in the early detection and prevention of larger health and wellbeing issues.
At Regional Men’s Health Initiative (RMHI) we have a simple but effective program that aims to empower men and communities to take responsibility for their wellbeing and health. The Fast Track Pit Stop® is similar to the servicing of a vehicle and is a non-clinical, non-invasive way of helping us become more aware, and take charge of our own health and wellbeing.
The process involves a three-point Health Awareness Check, which includes:
- Waist Measurement/Chassis: A waistline of more than 102cm (men) and 88cm (women) gives us an increased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, some cancers, stroke, heart disease and high blood pressure. Long term storage of internal fat surrounding the heart, liver, pancreas and kidneys is just one indicator.
- Blood Pressure/Oil Pressure: According to the Heart Foundation, high blood pressure is one of the main risk factors for heart disease, stroke and blood vessel disease. So, it’s important to firstly know our blood pressure, but also take steps to manage it if it’s getting high.
- Coping Skills/Shockies: We are all affected by life’s ups and downs. Fast Track Pit Stop participants are given 10 questions to help identify stress levels.
Encouraging communication and help-seeking is part of the problem-solving process.
We think it’s about being there, allowing people to have a conversation, and listening. Life is hectic, people are busy, but help can be as simple as taking a minute to sit down, having a break and thinking about your health and wellbeing.
RMHI delivers the Fast Track Pit Stop® program across rural and regional WA and can be set up on the back of the ute, under a marquee or in a hall. Field days, agricultural shows and a whole range of community events and festivals provide our organisation with the opportunity to go where the regional people are, so look out for our red utes, and come and have a chat.
It’s time to start thinking about our service schedule habits!