Every child attending Cape York Aboriginal Australian Academy in Coen last week received a health screen as the team from Apunipima hit town.

As Cyclone Nathan bore down on the Cape York township, the team undertook 47 school health screenings in 4 hours.

Each child has a general health screen to identify any potential issues and put in place support or treatment if anything is found to be a problem, any existing good healthy activities are also encouraged and supported.

Lisa Smith, Apunipima’s Maternal and Child Health Midwife, who led the team said, “Children in Cape York receive school screening as it is a vital method of detecting early signs of chronic disease and developmental issues and allows early prevention measures to be put in place.

“We are delighted at the level of commitment to the school screen at Coen from the community and all of our health partners and thank everyone who took part.”

At the school screen children receive an eyesight and hearing screen, their height and weight is measured, their teeth are checked to make sure there is no decay or gum disease, iron and sugar levels are checked along with their heart, limbs and skin.