At 6:30am Thursday 9th August almost 40 Tatiara tradies gathered at Tatiara Truck and Trailer Bordertown for a healthy breakfast, morning stretch and a talk focussed on improving the health of our tradies.
The event was organised by Good Country Physiotherapy as part of the Australian Physiotherapy Association’s National Tradies Health Month campaign to improve health awareness among tradies across the country. Two further events are planned in Keith on Wednesday 22nd and Naracoorte on the 21st August.
Tradies National Health Month aims to raise awareness of health issues prevalent in those who work in trade occupations. Australia’s trade industry continues to have among the highest numbers of days lost due to workplace injuries of any group in the work force. In the last 10 years the prevalence of chronic diseases such as Type II diabetes and cardio pulmonary disease have also risen sharply.
The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of these issues and to provide information on how tradies can reduce the risk of injury by looking after their health.
Tradies began the session with a talk from Kieran O’ Donovan, Physiotherapist at Good Country Physiotherapy followed by some dynamic stretches led by Jarrad Lusher of Lusher’s Labrynth Bordertown.
Following the stretching, the Tatiara tradies helped themselves to a healthy breakfast generously supplied by Blue Lake Milling, the Bordertown Fruit Market and Linda’s Coffee Run before heading off to work for the day.
Kieran O’ Donovan took time to praise the work of the Tatiara District Council who for the second year running generously supported the event and helped with organisation. The Tatiara Council has shown a real interest in promoting health initiatives with the community and this should be acknowledged said Kieran.