University of the Sunshine Coast health students have hit the road to encourage better bone health.

The USC Mobile Health Clinic was out and about in the Sunshine Coast and Gympie communities for Healthy Bones Action Week, with students working alongside health professionals to provide testing and advice on preventing osteoporosis and osteopenia.

The initiative, in partnership with PHN Country to Coast, took USC’s purpose-built mobile clinic to community and senior citizens centres in Bli Bli, Gympie and Maleny to encourage measures to protect bone health.

About 20 USC students studying Occupational Therapy, Nursing Science or Nutrition and Dietetics got hands-on work experience and helped hundreds of community members over three days.

Both the USC group and PHN professionals gave positive feedback on the clinic, and one student said she saw the day as a strong development opportunity outside her comfort zone.

USC Health Clinics Manager Bronwyn Doyle said the Healthy Bones initiative had given the students a real-world experience of working in public health.

“It was an opportunity for the students to practise their communication and listening skills in a real environment,” she said.

“They had a practical experience of undertaking health assessments on clients, and speaking with them about the effects of osteoporosis and the preventative measures they can take.

“Getting out of the classroom and interacting with real clients is an invaluable part of study in the health field.”

Mrs Doyle is also the Project Manager of the Clinical Training Funding Program, which is funded by the Commonwealth Government.

— Gen Kennedy