Today is World Health Day.

Our health is something not to be taken for granted. Across the Western Plains, though we lack some health services, we are lucky to receive the dedicated care that we do.

For example, Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service recently completed their school screening program with all schools in Coonamble, helping identify students who need further follow up for hearing, eyesight, and oral health as well as general health issues.

Concerningly, at one school 150 of the 180 students checked were in need of follow up for oral health issues and have been recommended a visit to the dentist.

Dr Virginia Smith, a Senior Research Fellow in the Violet Vines Marshman Centre for Rural Health at La Trobe Rural Health School saying it is a part of general health that is often neglected.

"There are many people in our rural communities who face inequity in oral health, such as access to services but also to infrastructure (like water fluoridation) that is vital to promoting oral health," Dr Smith said.

"Rural people face inequity in many forms and a lot of oral disease can be prevented but our rights to good oral health are compromised due to where we live. In some of our rural towns we see dental decay in children’s teeth (which is preventable) at much higher rates than in cities.”

Health and wellbeing of our older population is also very important.

At 30 June 2020, there were an estimated 4.1 million older people (aged 65 and over) living in Australia. Two-thirds lived in major cities, nearly one in four in inner regional areas and the remaining 11 per cent lived in outer regional and remote and very remote areas combined.

Fortunately, there are many dedicated health professionals in the western plains who are on hand to help out.

At the Trangie Multi-Purpose Health Service, staff recently assisted the residents to create beautiful artwork for an Easter display and also decorated two Easter cakes together.

They also came together for Senior Week Activities at the local club on March 19 enjoying fun-filled activities organised by the students of Trangie Central School.

This year’s WHO World Heath Day theme is ‘My health, my right’ looking at the equity and access to health care around the world. 

We are fortunate to have many dedicated health professionals across our region who advocate for those who are unable. La Trobe University are offering the chance to talk to experts about health equity and how to improve clinical practice and social wellbeing, achieve equity and inclusion, and promote wellbeing across the lifespan. 

Should you wish to participate, Professor Jane Mills, the Pro Vice Chancellor Health Innovation and Dean of La Trobe Rural Health School can be contacted on 0409 762 200.