September 1, 2016
Murgon’s “Focus On You” Community Health Expo has been declared a huge success by organisers.
The expo, held on Tuesday night at the Murgon PCYC, attracted more than 200 registrations, more than South Burnett health nurses Kathy Crane, Vivette White and June Rutter had ever hoped for.
The main hall at the PCYC was turned over to trade displays, with information available from self-help groups, the QAS, local health-related businesses and organisations such as Centacare and Graham House.
The idea for the expo was first suggested by the three health nurses in response to a needs assessment undertaken by Medicare Local in the region in 2014.
This survey showed that chronic disease rates in the local area were worse, or significantly worse, than other parts of the State.
BIEDO stepped in to assist with the organisation of the Expo and the Wondai Hospital Auxiliary assisted with funding.
“We are so proud to be part of such a positive event in our community,” BIEDO CEO Kristy Frahm said.
Attendees on Tuesday night browsed the trade displays and enjoyed a free sausage sizzle prepared by a team from the Proston Men’s Shed, before adjourning to the PCYC Dining Room to hear an inspiring talk by celebrity chef Matt Golinski.
Matt later also dispensed some professional culinary tips in a healthy cooking demonstration.
Four workshops were also held: Men’s Health, Healthy Thinking (how men accept help), Chronic Diseases (diabetes and heart issues), and Gentle Movement (easy exercises).
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Matt Golinski shared with the audience stories about his incredible recovery from the devastating house fire four years ago in which he lost his wife and three children.
He suffered third degree burns to 40 per cent of his body and spent two months in a medically induced coma in ICU, and another two months in hospital. He lost 22kg, and for months couldn’t walk or talk, and could barely see.
Now he’s in training for a gruelling 100km ultra marathon!
“The physiotherapists and occupational therapists would set me goals, and I was determined that I would meet them and beat them,” he said.
He began slowly jogging around a hospital room. Just months out of hospital, he took part in a 5km fun run and has now completed a full marathon.
“But the physical side was nothing compared to the emotional things I was going through,” he said.
“Exercise became my happy drug.”
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