A rising star, Indigenous All Star’s representative, and the Shark’s newest NRLW recruit, Jada Taylor is making an impact beyond her impressive on-field performances, promoting the importance of making ‘deadly choices’ by receiving her flu shot last Friday.
As a proud Gamilaroi woman, Jada belongs to a demographic that is more susceptible to illness and chronic disease, and is committed to using her platform to inspire the Aboriginal and Torres Strait community to make healthy choices, which includes staying up-to-date with vaccinations.
“I want to be a role model for people on and off the field,” Taylor said.
“I feel like having them look up to me, if I’m getting my health check hopefully it inspires other little kids who want to play Rugby League and are Indigenous to get their health checks too.
“Health is really important to my family. My granny’s a nurse, my brother is a health worker and through them I see the importance of getting health checks and staying healthy, particularly being part of the Aborginal and Torres Strait Islander community, as we are more at risk.”
As the Sharks Indigenous Programs Coordinator, Jada delivers the Deadly Choices Healthy Lifestyle and Wellbeing program to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and community groups within the Sutherland Shire and will undertake studies to become a qualified Aboriginal Health Worker to further support local First Nation’s people in accessing health assessments.
“Delivering the Deadly Choices program, I help promote healthy lifestyle and wellbeing for all students of all ages, from primary school all the way through to high school and it's really rewarding. I feel like this is my strength, making them feel like they are in a safe environment and encouraging them to live healthy lives and get health checks.
“I think it’s important for everyone, but especially our Indigenous community as we have higher rates of chronic disease and mortality.”
A program successfully run by the Cronulla Sharks since 2020, Deadly Choices is a health promotion initiative of the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) delivered in the Shire in collaboration with the Central Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network (CESPHN). Their partnership with the Sharks harnesses the power of sport and Indigenous NRL idols to initiate important conversations around health and wellbeing in order to inspire ‘deadly’ decisions.
In Indigenous culture, if something is 'deadly' it is good or cool, therefore making a deadly choice means making a good choice.
Aiming to empower First Nations people to make healthy choices for themselves and their families, the initiative encourages proactive healthcare by urging individuals to schedule their annual Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Assessment with their doctor, in order to assist in early detection, management and prevention of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease.
With no specific Aboriginal Medical Service in the Shire, the Sharks have partnered with Vitalis Family Medical Practice in Kirrawee, working with GPs and nurses who have undertaken cultural awareness training to deliver health assessments and follow up services as required.
After completing their health check, participants receive an exclusive Sharks Deadly Choices training shirt, often replicating the Indigenous jersey from the previous year.
To book your health check, contact Vitalis Family Medical Practice on (02) 8123 1133.
