By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, July 20: With heart disease on the rise in Malaysia, the Sarawak Heart Foundation is raising awareness and promoting a healthy lifestyle by hosting the ‘World Heart Day (WHD) 2022’ on September 25 at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) here.
According to Sarawak Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, who is also the event’s organising chairman, the theme of this year’s WHD is ‘Use Heart for Every Heart’.
“The WHD is an opportunity for everyone to pause and consider how they can best use their hearts for humanity, nature, and themselves.
“By participating in global events such as WHD as well as local activities, we are empowered to raise awareness and make a positive difference in the lives of all people,” he said today at the press conference for the ‘World Heart Day 2022’ and ‘1st Sarawak Combat Against Cardiovascular Disease Cartoon and Doodle Competition’ held at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here.
He went on to say that, with air pollution being responsible for 25 per cent of cardiovascular deaths, people can contribute to a healthier planet in their own way by walking or cycling instead of driving, or by making longer-term efforts such as supporting clean air legislation.
Dr Sim, who is also a cardiologist, added that because psychological stress can double the risk of having a heart attack, exercise, meditation, and getting enough sleep can help reduce stress and improve heart health.
“Beating cardiovascular disease is something that matters to every beating heart,” he pointed out.
Furthermore, Dr Sim, who is also the deputy chairman of the Sarawak Heart Foundation, stated that a ‘Walk-A-Mile’ event will be held on September 25 in conjunction with WHD 2022, and that the event’s launch will be officiated by the Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, who is also the foundation’s chairman.
He mentioned that the RM10 registration fee for the ‘Walk-A-Mile’ includes a Sarawak Heart Foundation T-shirt, balloon (first come, first served), breakfast, and a ticket for the lucky draw, with prizes including the latest Apple Watch series.
Moreover, the Deputy Premier noted that the Sarawak Heart Centre will conduct free health screenings for the public beginning at 8am, which will include Body Mass Index (BMI), blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol, and health counselling with doctors.
“Physiotherapists from the Sarawak Heart Centre will also perform fitness tests, while the Sarawak Breast Cancer Support Group will perform self-breast examinations,” he remarked.
The WHD is a global event held on Sept 29 in which individuals, families, communities, organisations, and governments all over the world participate in activities to improve their own and others’ heart health.
Registration for the ‘Walk-A-Mile’ can be done at the foundation’s office, which is located at No 11, Lot 2343, Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce, Bormill Commercial Estate, 93200 Kuching, Sarawak.
For more information, please contact Angeline/Jenny at 082-233784 or 012-8868491. — DayakDaily
