Health on show at Fieldays

Waikato Breast Cancer Research Trust's display of lemons shows signs of breast cancer.

Bras, mannequins and lemons resembling breasts were just some of the interactive displays at the Fieldays Health Hub last week.

The hub provided experiences and advice related to all aspects of health.
It aimed to bring health professionals to farmers who may not leave the farm for health checks.

Fieldays visitors could walk inside a giant inflatable bowel, understand the effects of being drunk - without the hangover - and get a free dental check.

Breast cancer checks with a twist

A tray of lemons on display at the Fieldays Health Hub could be a lifesaver.

The tray of 12 lemons revealed 12 signs and symptoms that could indicate breast cancer, showing women what the disease could look and feel like.

The Waikato Breast Cancer Research Trust created the tray of lemons after seeing a photo online.

Fundraising co-ordinator Fiona Johnson says the lemons open the discussion around breast cancer and help raise awareness.

CPR practise and life skills

Te Awamutu woman Debbie Trail demonstrates CPR on Barry Manikin, a life-like simulation mannequin.

Barry Manikin breathes, sweats and talks like a human.

The life-like simulation mannequin demonstrates what someone on life support looks like.

Children and adults had the opportunity to practice CPR, and talk to nurses about death and organ donation.

Waikato Hospital charge nurse Debbie Trail of Te Awamutu says the mannequin was a good conversation-starter and encouraged people to have a go at CPR.

"A lot of people shared their life stories - there were some great conversations."

Sweet Louise raises awareness

Bras represent members of the Sweet Louise charity.

Sweet Louise, a charity dedicated to incurable breast cancer, collected hundreds of bras to represent each of the charity's 570 members.

The charity helps members with everything from facilitation of local networking groups through to vouchers for mastectomy underwear, wigs, house cleaning, babysitting, gardening and groceries.

The charity's fundraising manager Liz Henry says the bra display generated a lot of interest.

"Both women and men were really keen to chat openly about breast cancer."

She says more than 570 bras were donated and they are happy to receive more.

Sweet Louise CEO Fiona Hatton says the bras of all shapes, sizes, colours and styles represented the diversity of New Zealanders who are affected by incurable breast cancer.

After Fieldays, Sweet Louise will create a giant chandelier and use the bras to "shine a light" on incurable breast cancer.

The artwork will be unveiled in Auckland in the lead-up to NZ Fashion Week.

"We wanted to create a piece of art that becomes a conversation starter, something visual that would remind people that incurable breast cancer is not about statistics - it is about real people and their families and their unique hopes and dreams."