Mike B

When I used the van, it was based at the trade fencing day that was being held at Mosgiel, as part of the Fencing Contractors Association NZ Conference. The night before, I had been for a walk up the hill behind the motel we were staying at. Partway up the steep Dunedin Street, I thought I was actually having a heart attack. I was reasonably fit but had recently had Covid and received a vaccine. The van did my blood pressure, which was the highest of the day. I cannot remember the numbers, but it was scary high. I was told I should get a full medical when I got back to the Manawatu. This resulted in being put on permanent blood pressure medication, with regular checks. A year or so later, I found out I had bilateral blood clots in my lungs, so I have had a bit of a journey to sort that out over the last year. If I hadn't had that short test at the Carr Foundation van, things might have been a whole lot worse. I believe these days, getting rural folk to have a simple test on a regular day out could end up saving lives.

Aaron G

I run a very diverse farm, and over the years I've had some mates affected with heart attacks and other stress-related health issues. You hear about high blood pressure being called a silent killer, and you sort of nod along, but you don't think much of it until it's someone you know. I was at an event and got invited to pop into the Health and Wellness Van for a check. Didn't think much of it, figured I'd be in and out in five minutes. Turns out my blood pressure was through the roof. Came as a real surprise, I felt fine. I'm on medication for it now and getting it checked regularly. If I'd had an aneurysm or stroke, I don't know how I'd have kept the farm running. It's not something you plan for. Glad I took the ten minutes to get checked.