As seen on the September 2019 issue of The Philippine Sentinel
A heart care forum held last Friday 26 July 2019 at the Blacktown Library Function Centre was a huge success. The community members who attended had a chance to ask relevant questions about their individual concerns pertaining to heart care. Two distinguished medical specialist cardiologists and a cardiovascular rehabilitation nurse were invited as Resource Speakers for the forum.
The first speaker was Dr. Raul Amor, M.D. and he spoke mainly of the symptoms of heart failure. He emphasised on consulting a doctor at the earliest possible sign of heart related discomfort for check up. He also pointed out the need for the members of the community to know the basic method of CPR in cases of someone having a heart attack.
Dr. Helena Monina Ortiz, G.P. shared to the group many ways of preventing heart diseases which includes a healthy diet, exercise, losing weight, good sleep, etc. She stressed the need to have regular health check on one’s cholesterol level, blood sugar, kidney, liver and heart in order to live longer, healthier and happier.
The third speaker was a cardiovascular Nurse in charge of cardiac rehabilitation, Ms. Cecille Vargas. She takes care of patients who have been admitted to hospital for heart problems. She also advised the attendees to keep a close watch of their heart condition as prevention is better than cure.
The forum is the first of its kind and is sponsored by the Philippine Health Care Association of Australia ━ Philippine Nurses Association, (PHCAA-PNA), Ateneo Alumni Association of Australia (AAAA), Blacktown City Council and Blacktown Max Webber Library.
Blacktown City Mayor and Member of the Parliament, Stephen Bali came to grace the occasion and gave the closing remarks. He also presented the various projects that are taking place in Blacktown such as the new building in Main Street which will house the Australian Catholic University and several new offices and carparks.
Bilingual Community Educator, Dr. Julie C. Nunez, PhD, OAM coordinated the forum with the assistance of Ms. Ella Martirez, First President of the PHCAA-PNA and Member of the Board of Management. As a professional Nurse, Ms. Martirez also shared her ideas on how to care for one’s own health and to maintain a healthy lifestyle so one can live to enjoy life with their children and grandchildren.
The Library Outreach Coordinator, Melissa Angelo was instrumental in getting the venue set up and access to the equipment in the library.
After the formal forum there were some entertainment numbers which included Dance presentations from the Association of Golden Australian Pilipinos Inc. (AGAPI), songs from Nora Racuyal and group dance exercise led by Ruth Tabeta, a certified Zumba Instructor. This was followed by light refreshments and morning tea for all the attendees. Ω