Eat fewer takeaways and take more exercise - that was the the advice given to Geoff Hipango at a health expo in Wanganui yesterday.
Mr Hipango was attending the expo at the Wanganui War Memorial Hall where free heart, blood pressure and diabetes checks were on offer along with healthy food stands, traditional and alternative therapies.
"His blood pressure reading isn't too bad," said public health nurse Julie Jackson, although she did tell tell Mr Hipango that his ethnicity means he has an increased risk of heart disease and some changes to his diet will reduce the risk.
Mr Hipango, 48, said he was aware that he needed to make changes and had started walking regularly with his wife, who had recently given up smoking.
"I won't let my ego take over - what you see is what you get," said Mr Hipango. "I have recently joined a men's well-being group and it is important to think about all aspects of our health."
The therapies being promoted at the expo included rongoa (traditional medicines) and mirimiri (massage) as well as colour therapy.
The expo is part of a series of community events organised by Removing Barriers to mark Mental Health Awareness Week from October 6-10.
Removing Barriers is a collaborative group of organisations working in the Wanganui mental health sector including Whanganui District Health Board and Public Health, Ng Tai o Te Awa, Pathways, Balance, Supporting Families and Te Oranganui Health Authority.
Geraldine Gray of Pathways said the events have been well supported by the community.
"We have been organising community events for Mental Health Awareness Week for five years now and this year is the best we have had."
The week will round off with a celebration in Majestic Square today with music, karaoke, sausage sizzle and the winner of the Removing Barriers logo design competition will be announced.