If you heard about a footy team taking part in their first test, you’d be forgiven for asking who they’re playing.
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But in a far cry from an international tussle with the old enemy from England or our Trans-Tasman rivals in New Zealand, the Eden Tigers Group 16 rugby league team took part in a first test of a different kind when they took the opportunity to have a free sexual health test at a recent training session.
The club’s first grade and reserves sides welcomed a familiar face in Eden Aboriginal health education officer Joe Stewart, along with sexual health workers Fiona McKenna, Sharyn Medway and Jenny Balfe, to the session.
The players were educated about chlamydia, including its transmission, the importance of using protection, how symptoms are often absent, how it can impact on fertility, and how treatment can be as easy as a single dose of antibiotics.
“The session was very informative and many players took the opportunity to have the free chlamydia urine test and realised how easy it could be,” Tigers president Leigh Hennessey said.
Having taken their test, the club is now encouraging other local residents, sporting clubs and community organisations to book their own free test at the Eden Sexual Health Clinic.
The clinic is open most Mondays at the Eden Community Health Centre (located upstairs at Twofold Arcade), from 9am to 4pm.
To book a free and confidential personal appointment, contact the clinic on 1300 131 562, or drop into reception.
To book a test for your club or community group, contact Bega Valley Shire sexual health nurse Fiona McKenna on 6492 9620 or 0477 337 585.