Red Feb: helping members take heart health seriously
Health & Wellbeing -
It makes sense for super funds to support conversations with members that drive positive lifestyle changes and promote good health, so that members can enjoy a fulfilling retirement. February is Red Feb, Heart Research Australia's annual campaign to raise awareness of heart disease, making it an ideal time to engage members on their heart health.
Why talk about heart health?
Cardiovascular disease remains one of Australia's biggest health challenges. It accounts for one in four deaths, with around 156 heart attacks or episodes of unstable angina occurring every day.1 At TAL, conditions of the circulatory system accounted for 9% of all accepted claims in FY24/25, with more than half of these being death claims.2
The good news is that most of this is preventable. According to the Australian Burden of Disease Study, 65% of the cardiovascular disease burden is attributable to modifiable risk factors, including high blood pressure, diet, cholesterol and physical activity.3
A 20-minute Heart Health Check with a GP, together with some simple lifestyle changes, can be all it takes to reduce the risk.
A toolkit for your members
We've curated ready-to-use resources to help you engage members on heart health during Red Feb and beyond. In the Member Content section of Group HQ, under Cardiovascular Health, you'll find:
- Member articles. Covering topics like understanding heart health risk factors, the importance of regular check-ups, and practical steps members can take to look after their hearts.
- Support flyers. Resources your member-facing teams can use when speaking with members about heart health or share the flyers in your member communications.
- Suggested email template. A ready-to-use template to help you promote heart health awareness to your members.
For funds that have taken up TAL's Health Scout tool, it’s a simple way for members who want to take that first step. The three-minute digital survey helps members understand their physical health risks, including heart disease, and encourages them to take preventative action.
We all have a role to play
There are plenty of opportunities throughout the year to start the heart health conversation with your members and help them avoid becoming one of the statistics. Together, we have an important role to play in ensuring members engage with their health so they can live life to the fullest, not only while they're working, but into retirement as well.
To access the heart health toolkit, visit Group HQ Member Content or contact your Partnership Manager.
1 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Heart, stroke and vascular disease: Australian facts. 2025.
2 2024/25 TAL life insurance claims paid.
3 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Australian Burden of Disease Study, 2024.