MERV is a free mobile men’s health check-up and information service which travels to workplaces and community sites where men can have their blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol levels checked.

A male community nurse is available to discuss men’s health issues, including cancer, sexual health, prostate cancer, testicular self examination, healthy eating, exercise and mental health.

Rotary District 9670 Governor Tony Mackenzie is pleased Rotary clubs in Western NSW have embraced the opportunity to bring men’s health issues into the open.

“Men have a tendency to talk about a lot of issues but when it comes to their own health, they remain silent. Rotary has been very proactive with health issues especially with the very successful Bowl Scan initiative,’’ he said.

“Now MERV provides an opportunity for men to talk confidentially about any issue that is worrying them or that they want to find more information about.”

Andrew Whale, a community nurse from Mudgee, will accompany the van on the western tour.

Andrew recently won the HESTA Innovation in Nursing Award for his work promoting men’s access to health services through his creation of the MERV concept.

MERV will be in Nyngan at the carpark near the helicopter on Friday May 16 between 9am and 3pm.

President of The Rotary Club of Nyngan Keith Dawe invites men in Nyngan to make time and take up this free service.

If unable to attend on this day the van will be available in the following centres:

o Tuesday May 13 outside the Cobar Shire Council between 9am and 3pm.

o Thursday May 15 in Brewarrina outside the pharmacy between 9am and 3pm.

Further information on MERV can be obtained by contacting Rotarian Peter English on 0417 885 088.