There were 32 members at the Probus Club of Bairnsdale’s May meeting, with applications for three new members.
The guest speaker was Jessica Mortensen, a physiotherapist at Bairnsdale Regional Health Service (BRHS), and discussed the Healthy Hearts Program.
Jessica made a timely presentation on helping you take charge of your heart health, an issue for all Australians of all ages.
The aim is to promote a healthy lifestyle for better health outcomes.
Most adults are not active enough with research showing that the average Australian is sitting for up to 8.8 hours a day and watching screens for 3.5 hours per day.
A very sedentary lifestyle. Such a lifestyle can lead to heart disease and other health issues.
In an effort to build awareness and a healthier community, BRHS is promoting the benefits of exercise in reducing the risks of heart attack, lowering cholesterol, sugar levels, risk of type two diabetes and weight while building a stronger immune system.
Exercise programs taking as little as 30 minutes a day with strength exercises 2/3 times a week can produce significant health benefit over time.
To encourage participation, the BARC have free, individual gym programs for willing participants.
Further information can be found on the ‘Get Active Victoria’ web site.
The profile speaker this month was John Latimer. John’s journey started at the Avenue Hospital in Melbourne.
He was educated at Melbourne Grammar and Melbourne University where he studied Commerce.
His first position was with Nettlefolds Screw Nut and Bolt company in Sunshine as organisation and methods officer.
During his tenure with the company he was trained by IBM in computer programming which has held him in good stead throughout his career.
Ampol Petroleum were advertising for marketing trainees enabling him to embark on what would become his career path.
Later, he joined Companion Pty Ltd, manufacturers of LP Gas equipment as their marketing manager and took the company into outdoor leisure markets.
After 13 years with Companion, he took an opportunity as a consultant to represent companies in developing overseas business to business trade opportunities.
Over a period of nearly 20 years, business had been developed in some 12 countries around the world.
After his wife passed away in 2002, he sold up in Melbourne and moved to Metung, joined Probus in 2003 and has filled many positions with the club since including that of president.
