Kelsey Cook works with Caroline Robinson at the CEW building in Thurgoona. Pictures: KYLIE ESLER
CSU’s relocated podiatry clinic is expected to treat 300 to 400 people a week.
HUNDREDS of people with foot problems will soon be treading their way to a “wellness” clinic a stone’s throw from Thurgoona’s shopping plaza.
Charles Sturt University has transferred its busy public podiatry clinic from Olive Street to a new $5 million building in front of the former Peter Till research laboratories.
It wants people to call it the CEW — pronounced Q — as the “community engagement and wellbeing centre” is a bit of a mouthful.
Meanwhile, one of the podiatry researchers, Kelsey Cook, 22, is seeking help from people in the 33-55 age group.
She is trying to find out if measuring blood pressure in a person’s feet is a good indicator of heart disease.
The honours student in podiatry at the School of Community Health says it just means having a free blood pressure check as well as a free blood test to screen for cholesterol and other signs of heart disease.
“We are investigating the relationship between the risk factors for heart disease and their effect on blood flow to the lower legs and feet,” Ms Cook said.
“If blood pressure in the foot is related to heart disease this could have important implications for the early detection of heart disease, which is particularly important for people living in rural and remote communities.”
This will be the first research project to be based in the CEW, which doubles as a teaching centre for psychology as well as podiatry.
Lecturer and research supervisor Dr Caroline Robinson said the podiatry clinic generally treated 300 to 400 members of the public a week.
The clinic is booked out for several weeks. It will now take bookings for March.
Clients generally pay $35 per visit.