As heart failure (HF) becomes increasingly prevalent in Singapore, it is important for individuals to recognise the signs of this condition and manage it effectively. To raise awareness of HF in the community, our NHCS colleagues joined forces to participate in ‘Towards Healthier Hearts’, a collaborative community outreach event. This initiative was spearheaded by the SGH Community Nursing, the Healthier SG team, and the Regional Health System (RHS) Precinct Lead.
Members of the NHCS ‘Towards Healthier Hearts’ Team!
Held at Radin Mas Community Club, the event brought together an NHCS cardiologist, physiotherapists, nurses, community nurses and volunteers to educate over 150 HF patients and members of the public through an integrated health talk and interactive booths.
(L-R): Asst Prof Julian Loh, Senior Consultant, Department of Cardiology, and Lim Hui Yin, Physiotherapist, Cardiac Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Services, explaining HF and how to manage it in their integrated health talk.
Asst Prof Julian Loh, Senior Consultant, Department of Cardiology conducted a health talk aimed at educating and empowering the community to take charge of their own health. In addition to providing an overview of HF, Asst Prof Loh covered topics such as how to identify symptoms and when to seek professional medical attention. The talk was further enriched by Ms Lim Hui Yin, Physiotherapist, Cardiac Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Services (CPRS) who shared insights on aerobic and strength training exercises.
The session, delivered in both English and Mandarin, was well received. Participants shared that it was informative and clear, appreciating the speakers’ use of simple medical terms which helped their understanding.
Dr Teo Lee Wah from Nursing Specialty Care Unit engaging the community through useful diet tips.
NHCS also participated in setting up interactive health booths to engage the residents. SSN Haziqah Binte Idris from Ward 44 - Coronary Care Unit (CCU) and SSN Ivy Tan from Nursing Specialty Care Unit, led an educational booth to raise awareness of HF. Attendees were invited to answer questions based on the prior health talk, and were taught what to look for and avoid when eating out at hawker centres through a take-home printout.
Chen Hebin, Manager and Principal Physiotherapist from CPRS, showing a resident the right way to strengthen her legs with an exercise band.
Together with Hui Yin, Chen Hebin, Manager and Principal Physiotherapist from CPRS, and Jenna Chua, Executive from the Cardio-Palliative Care Programme, Nursing Specialty Care Unit, demonstrated suitable exercises for seniors. They facilitated a guided video demonstration of heart-healthy exercises using an exercise band, keeping the activities simple and seated so that most attendees could participate regardless of mobility or health condition. Volunteers adjusted the activity level, increasing the difficulty for fitter individuals or accommodating injuries, ensuring all participants benefitted maximally from the exercises. Hui Yin beamed, “It was heartwarming to see individuals such as stroke patients trying out the exercises even when they weren’t at peak health!”
In addition to NHCS booths, the SGH team also led stations on various topics, including medication and smoking cessation education by community nurses, as well as sharing of heart-healthy food choices by dietitians. Together, these stations provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of HF.
SSN Ivy shared, “Through this event, we hope that the residents will be able to identify symptoms and seek treatment earlier, especially if they have diabetes, hypertension, and/or hyperlipidaemia. We also hope they’ll share the information they’ve learnt with their friends and family!”
Indeed, the team was heartened to have accomplished this goal – about 70% of participants reported not only increased knowledge of HF but also confidence in putting the information learnt into practice.
Outstanding work from all members and volunteers of the ‘Towards Healthier Hearts’ team! Their journey continues with another outreach event at Henderson Community Club in February, and we eagerly anticipate the positive impact they will make in the community.
NHCS is proud to have worked with the SingHealth Precinct Lead, SGH Community Nurses, Radin Mas Community Club, and various Active Ageing Centres, national agencies, and corporate sponsors Malaysia Dairy Industries and Gardenia, to make this event a resounding success!
NHCS Members of the ‘Towards Healthier Hearts’ Team
Dr Teo Lee Wah, Assistant Director, Nursing, Nursing Specialty Care Unit
Asst Prof Julian Loh, Senior Consultant, Department of Cardiology
Ivy Tan, Senior Staff Nurse (Clinical), Nursing Specialty Care Unit
Haziqah Binte Idris, Senior Staff Nurse (Clinical), Ward 44 - Coronary Care Unit (CCU)
Chen Hebin, Manager and Principal Physiotherapist, Cardiac Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Services (CPRS)
Lim Hui Yin, Physiotherapist, Cardiac Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Services (CPRS)
Jenna Chua, Executive, Cardio-Palliative Care Programme, Nursing Specialty Care Unit
NHCS Volunteers
Lee Chin Hian, Assistant Director, Nursing, Nursing Administration
Zainab Binte Amat, Nurse Clinician, Nursing Development Unit
Yin Min Thair Thair Htwe, Nurse Clinician, Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (CTICU)
Ng Nuan Jun, Assistant Nurse Clinician, Nursing Administration (Holding)
Yoong Yin Teng, Senior Staff Nurse (Clinical), Ward 44 - Coronary Care Unit (CCU)
