Meriba Nerkep "Keeping the beat"

• Reach:

  QLD

• Focus area:

  Indigenous

• Status:

  Current

• Evaluated:

  No

Overview

The number one killer of Torres Strait Islanders today is heart disease.

To address this problem a cardiac rehabilitation program was launched on Thursday Island in May 2009. The first program ran for six weeks with a multidisciplinary team consisting of a health worker, a dietitian, a social worker, a physiotherapist, a diabetes educator, and a pharmacist.

The sessions were held every Monday at the local gym, which has inkind support from the local council, enabling the classes to be held free of charge.
Results from the program include positive feedback from the community and improvements in the health of the clients who have participated in the program.

Each cycle of the program runs for six weeks, with new clients attending each cycle.

Evaluation of the program includes:

• feedback from participants (clients complete a questionnaire at the end of each session); and
• a comparison of client weight, fitness level, and blood pressure before and after attending the program.

Contacts

Program Coordinator
Shanna E Nai
Email:Shanna_E_Nai@health.qld.gov.au

Links

• View website: Queensland Health