Rheumatic Heart Disease Day receives incredible support from community

The Palm Island Primary Health Care Centre held its inaugural rheumatic heart disease awareness day this month, with the celebration marked by an incredible 50 per cent increase in clients reviewed at the paediatric clinic.

The day saw 13 children attend for treatment and aimed to educate the wider community on the treatment, causes and effects of rheumatic heart disease.

Paediatric Cardiologist Dr Benjamin Reeves flew in from Cairns on the day for his regular visit to Palm Island.

“Rheumatic heart disease is a disease that affects the heart and is a consequence of acute rheumatic fever, which arises from strep bacteria being in the body,” Dr Reeves said.

“Rheumatic heart disease days like this one really focus community attention on the disease and brings information out into the open, which is important because it's not often recognised as a big problem. 

“For this awareness day we got people together, talked about the disease, had children go through the medical tests they needed to stop progression of symptoms and spoke to them about the importance of continued treatment.”

Dr Reeves said that there were several signs that parents could look out for when it came to rheumatic heart disease.

“Parents need to look out for common infections that might be otherwise overlooked, such as a sore throat, sore joints, fever or skin sores because these can result in long-term heart damage and that would be terrible if we missed that,” Dr Reeves said.

“Once we find someone that has rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease, we have very effective treatments that stop it going on to cause long-term cardiac damage such as heart failure, strokes and this treatment can be done right here at the Palm Island Primary Health Care Centre.”

Dr Reeves said the success of the day ultimately relied on community support, which was strong on the day.

“I’m very proud of everyone who attended the clinic on the day and who came along to learn,” Dr Reeves said.

“Ultimately, education is key and days like this really bring the community together and highlight how we can all work as a team help each other.”

Joyce Palmer Hospital senior medical officer Shaun Hosein said he was immensely proud of everyone who came along for the day as well.

“It was great to see our team working hand in hand with the RHD team,” Shaun said.

“It truly encapsulates the spirit of the Palm Island Health Action Plan and shows how we can prevent and manage this serious disease in the Palm Island community.”

People are being encouraged to use the hashtag #deadlyheartmob to promote solidarity among the community when it comes to rheumatic heart disease.

Anyone looking to get in contact with the Palm Island Primary Healthcare Centre for a check-up can call 4752 5900.

Contact: Public Affairs 4433 1016 | 0409 265 298