Students bring health checks to farmers

Visitors to Fonterra Farm Source stores in Morrinsville, Cambridge and Hamilton had the opportunity to undergo free health-based warrant of fitness checks by Wintec nursing students recently. 

The health checks were part of DairyNZ’s Health PitStop initiative which is a screening tool to look at basic aspects of general health and wellbeing in the rural community. 

Six third year Wintec students were involved in the programme which saw them check blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol levels, body mass index as well as gather information on emotional wellbeing. 

If anything is outside of the normal range or a cause for anxiety, the person is advised to contact their GP for follow-up. If it seems the person needs urgent attention they are referred to the local emergency medical centre. 

The work is part of the student’s clinical practice hours and an opportunity to engage with our community in a meaningful way.