Emerton Leisure Centre to host Free Health Assessments

Blacktown City Council's Emerton Leisure Centre is to host a series of free health assessments and long-term lifestyle planning sessions on Thursday 25th March as part of their support for the Close the Gap campaign.

The campaign aims to improve the life expectancy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, who have a life expectancy 17 years less than other Australians.

The Close the Gap campaign which was launched in April 2007, aims to change this situation by joining more than forty Indigenous and non-Indigenous organisations to urge the Federal, State and Territory governments to commit to closing the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within a generation.

The health assessments will be conducted by experienced and professional fitness staff and will include; height, weight, BMI (body mass index), girth measurements, abdominal strength test, cardiovascular fitness test, muscular endurance and blood pressure tests. Participants will also be encouraged to complete a 20 minute walking session afterwards.

Introducing the assessments, Blacktown City Mayor Charlie Lowles stated "the health assessments are a great idea and are the first step to better health.

"It is important that we are all aware of our health and well being and know how we can achieve a balanced lifestyle.

"I encourage all senior citizens to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity and visit the leisure centre for their free health assessment."

The free health assessments are open to people aged 18 years and over, and are alongside Blacktown City's extensive Seniors Week program from 21st to 28th March.