Health
A Day Focused on Heart Health and Stroke Prevention in Our Community
By DENIS JUSTICE
Rural Community Health Worker, IRD Duhallow On 20 November 2023, our community came together to participate in the Rural Community Health Project’s “Happy Heart, Healthy Lives” event; the half-day talk focused on two critical topics heart health and stroke prevention, which are essential for everyone. It was an excellent opportunity for the community to come together and learn about crucial aspects of healthy living. The event featured several health experts. Pádraig Denn, a Cardiology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) from the HSE Integrated Care Chronic Disease Hub, based at the Mallow Primary Healthcare Centre, brought his extensive expertise in cardiology to the forefront. His presentation shed light on the latest advancements in cardiology, emphasizing the importance of regular check-ups and innovative treatment methods for heart diseases, particularly in rural settings. Dr Mary J. Foley, a Programme and Clinical Advisor with the Cork Stroke Society, enlightened attendees on stroke support, a critical aspect often overlooked in rural healthcare discussions.
Issue 103 December 1st, 2023
She provided valuable insights on stroke prevention, including lifestyle changes and early warning signs, drawing from her extensive experience with the Cork Stroke Society. Avril Hallihan, a Senior Physiotherapist specializing in Cardiology Integrated Care with the HSE, Cork North Hub, captivated the audience with her discussion on the importance of daily activity for maintaining heart health. Avril’s particularly wellreceived session highlighted the benefits of incorporating regular physical activity into their daily routines and its crucial role in preventing cardiac issues. Tim Burke, a Community Sports Development Officer with Cork Sports Partnership, spoke engagingly about staying active and involved in community sports for overall heart health. He showcased various local sports initiatives that encourage an active lifestyle, engaging the audience with his talk on the role
of community sports in promoting heart health. The talks ranged from in-depth discussions on maintaining heart health to practical exercises beneficial for the heart. There was much positive feedback with one attendee highly praising the event, stating, “Thank you for a truly informative morning, particularly Avril on exercise and its importance.” A highlight of the event was the Irish Heart Foundation’s Mobile Unit, where people could get their blood pressure checked on the spot, allowing immediate application of the learnings from the event. This event was an overall success, sparking a conversation within the community about the importance of heart health. Attendees left with a newfound awareness and enthusiasm to incorporate what they learned into their daily lives. The success of the Rural Community Health Project sets the stage for future initiatives and health education in our community. We’re looking forward to more events and programmes that will keep building on our strong established foundation.
DiscoverDuhallow@irdduhallow.com
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