Founded in 2010 by Dr Chet Trivedy, a dual-qualified dentist and doctor with an interest in emergency medicine and dental emergencies, Boundaries for Life offers free health checks at major cricket fixtures throughout the UK, and is supported by the European Health Stadia Network.
Currently the only free comprehensive health check initiative that includes an assessment for mouth cancer, Boundaries for Life aims to promote health awareness through high-profile cricket events. The health checks include blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar (diabetes), dental (mouth cancer), obesity and dementia advice.
Henry Clover, chief dental officer at Simplyhealth Professionals, said, “We’re delighted to support Boundaries for Life once again and help to promote the messages of good oral health and general health to thousands of spectators across the UK this summer – and potentially save lives. Our commitment to the programme has been further strengthened by the support of our member dentists, several of whom have volunteered to carry out mouth cancer checks as part of the Boundaries for Life team, as well as raising awareness of good dental health and the links to general health.”
With a health professionals team comprising of dentists, doctors, nurses, and medical students, the health checks take no more than 15 minutes and are offered to spectators and ground staff. Since its launch, Boundaries for Life has carried out over 3,500 free health checks and diagnosed several cases of suspected mouth cancer, or pre-cancer, and many other health concerns, and given thousands of cricket fans specialist advice on how to improve oral and general health.
Boundaries for Life is also an award-nominated initiative, and has received recognition after being shortlisted for ‘Best National Smile Month Event’ at The Dental Awards 2018, which took place in May.
Dr Chet Trivedy said, “We’re looking forward to another cricket season and utilising the sport to reach as many people as possible. Cricket is an ideal vehicle to discuss health, particularly as our key demographic for health checks are men aged 45 years and over, and those who might not be regularly visiting a dentist or GP. This target audience are thought to be increasingly vulnerable to a range of health conditions, and our health checks offer the opportunity to identify people who might be at risk of future health problems at an early stage. The health checks are easily accessible and provide instant feedback to guide people on any next steps that they should take regarding their oral or general health.”
The current Boundaries for Life fixtures are:
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Saturday June 16 – England v Australia – Cardiff
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Sunday June 17 – Warwickshire v West Indies XI – Edgbaston
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Sunday June 24 – England v Australia – Old Trafford
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Saturday June 30 – Domestic One Day Cup Final – Lord’s
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Saturday July 7 – Kent v India – Beckenham
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Tuesday July 17 – India v West Indies – Headingly
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Sunday July 22 – Kent Cricket Festival – Kent
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Thursday August 2 – England v India – Edgbaston
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Saturday September 1 – England v India – Ageas Bowl
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Sunday September – England v India – Ageas Bowl