Our Region's Health Leaders 'Push-Up' For A Cause

Post date: May 19, 2020 1:33:00 AM

Western NSW Local Health District (WNSLWHD) leaders are taking part in the 2020 Push-Up Challenge.

WNSWLHD Director of Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol, Jason Crisp said, “Now more than ever, it’s so important we talk about mental health. COVID-19 has changed the way we do a lot of things, but it doesn’t mean we should forget about our mental health”.

“People living with mental illness, particularly those with severe mental illness, are more at risk of experiencing a range of adverse health outcomes and have a lower average life expectancy than the general population.

“By taking part in this challenge we are raising the profile of mental health and continuing to break down the stigma around it.

“It is ok, not to be ok.

“We have a number of services here to help you”. Jason said.

The team of 10 have to individually do 3046 push-ups over 21 one days.

Each day the number of push ups represents a statistic of fact in relation to mental health. It might be the recommended number of exercise minutes to complete for good mental health, each week, or suicide rates among certain groups.

WNSWLHD Chief Executive Scott McLachlan said, “I am proud of our Local Health District and the services we provide to the community. I find it really inspiring when I see staff stepping up outside their job descriptions to continue to help make a difference for people in our region”.

“I am proud of our WNSWLHD Warriors Team and all the other staff members in other teams who are taking part in this challenge. It’s for a worthwhile cause.

“In our team we have 3 prizes up for grabs, the most push up completed, the highest fundraiser and the wooden spoon. We have a few competitive people in the team so it keeps it interesting and everyone trying hard”. Scott said.

If you or someone you know is struggling, you can contact lifeline on 13 11 14, headspace, the WNSWLHD website, or in an emergency call 000.