Raising awareness about men's health is driving a new partnership between Bendigo Community Health Services and Bendigo transport operator Power's Country Express.
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A Bendigo-based Power's courier truck has been transformed into a mobile billboard display, asking men when they had their last checkup.
Bendigo Community Health Services men's health clinic nurse practitioner Peter Strange said getting men to make their health a priority was an important community message.
"Sadly, too many men are living totally unaware of the health issues that are endangering their lives because in many cases, the symptoms do not appear until it's too late," Mr Strange said.
"Our men's health clinic is the perfect starting place for men to look after their health and with a regular checkup, stay ahead of any issues that can become life threatening, if left untreated.
"The wonderful community program run by Damien and Emma Power to help us promote men's health is extremely valuable and we hope men and their wives, partners or family members see the truck passing by and act on the message.
"It can literally be the difference between life and death, but the good news is many of these conditions are treatable, if found early."
The Department of Health launched the 2020-2030 National Men's Health Strategy last year, which focused on five priority health areas.
In addition to empowering and supporting men and boys to optimise their own and each other's health and wellbeing, the five focus areas of mental health; chronic conditions; sexual and reproductive health; injuries and risk taking; and healthy ageing are the crux of the strategy.
In Bendigo, Mr Strange said cardiovascular conditions, cancers and mental health remains the biggest issues identified by the clinic.
The truck billboard will also promote the soup kitchen that takes place in the Fork In The Road community hub in Hargreaves Street every Thursday from 4pm.
Mr Power said vehicles operating through central Victoria and into Melbourne support the community that has supported their business.
"We have been branding our trucks over the past few years with important safety messages and to promote community organisations that make a difference to our local area," Mr Power said.
"We are thrilled to partner with Bendigo Community Health Services to deliver a new promotion on valuable programs such as the men's health clinic and soup kitchen.
"We look forward to seeing this truck on the road and hope it's successful in raising awareness of the fantastic work completed by Bendigo Community Health Services," Mr Power said.
To learn more about the Bendigo Community Health Services men's health clinic, visit www.bchs.com.au or call 5406 1200.
