Rural Australians urged to prioritise preventative health in the new year

Rural and remote Australians are being encouraged to make preventative health care a priority as the new year gets underway.

The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine said the start of the year presents a natural opportunity to check in on long-term health and follow up on any lingering concerns.

ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin said people living outside major cities face higher risks of chronic conditions including heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, stroke and some cancers. He said early health checks can help detect issues sooner, reduce hospitalisation and support people to remain active and productive.

Dr Martin said Rural Generalists play a critical role in delivering comprehensive care close to home. Their scope extends beyond standard general practice to include chronic disease management, preventative screening, mental health support, women’s and men’s health and emergency care.

He urged rural Australians to book a health check early in the year and ensure their wellbeing does not slip down the priority list as work and family demands increase.