By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 2: Free health screenings, six health talks and subsidised influenza vaccinations will be offered to the public at the “Together for Health 2.0 – A Community Health Carnival” this Sunday (Oct 4) at the SUPP Headquarters here.
Jointly organised by six Village Development and Security Committees (JKKKs) in the N9 Padungan constituency together with Timberland Medical Centre, the carnival will run from 9am, bringing together health, community and family-oriented activities under one roof.
Sarawak Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian will grace the event as Guest of Honour.
According to a press release, free screenings available include blood pressure, blood glucose and other basic health checks, while the first 100 participants will also be entitled to a cholesterol test.
Members of the public intending to undergo the free health screenings are advised to fast for 10 hours beforehand, subject to arrangements on the day.
The carnival will also feature cognitive screening, AI pulse assessment and foot measurement, alongside services and information from organisations in the medical, hearing, foot health, welfare, social security and financial sectors.
Meanwhile, a Community Influenza Vaccination Programme will be held at the same venue from 1pm to 4pm, offering subsidised influenza vaccinations at RM50 per dose.
There will be 150 vaccination slots available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Eligible Sarawakians aged 60 and above may also use their Senior Citizen Health Benefit (SCHB) entitlement for the influenza vaccination under the programme.
The six participating JKKKs represent Padungan/Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman Utara, Ang Cheng Ho Road, Rock/Bampfylde Road, Sekama, Tabuan Jaya and Kuching Old Bazaar Area.
For senior citizens, the day will begin earlier with a “Chair Exercise Activity” led by The Lifting Club.
Registration starts at 8am, followed by the session at 8.30am, with participation limited to 30 people.
The session will introduce simple chair-based exercises that seniors can also practise at home, encouraging them to remain physically active according to their individual abilities.
Each participant will receive a participation gift and certificate.
Meanwhile, six consecutive health talks will be held from 11.30am to 2.30pm, covering kidney health, cancer treatment, bone health, childhood illnesses, brain and spine disorders, and head and neck cancers.
The talks are:
- 11.30am–12pm: Protecting Kidney Health & Disease Prevention — Dr Lai Kee Hoe
- 12pm–12.30pm: New Approaches to Cancer Treatment — Dr Li Xiang Zhi
- 12.30pm–1pm: Bone Health — Anne Pui
- 1pm–1.30pm: Common Childhood Illness: When to Worry? — Dr Choy Yee Yi
- 1.30pm–2pm: Brain & Spine Disorders with Their Treatments — Dr Albert Wong
- 2pm–2.30pm: Head & Neck Cancers — Dr Wong Chun Yiing
Children will also have their own activity through a colouring contest divided into two categories — Category A for those aged four to six and Category B for those aged seven to nine.
Registration for the contest has closed, with a maximum of 30 participants in each category.
Registered participants are reminded to check in from noon on the day, with the contest scheduled to give them one hour and 30 minutes to complete their artwork.
Participants must use drawing paper provided by the organisers and bring their own colouring tools, materials, tables and chairs.
Parents and teachers will not be allowed to assist the children during the competition.
Each category will have a Champion, First Runner-Up, Second Runner-Up and five Merit Award winners, with stationery prizes and certificates for winners.
All children who complete the contest will receive a certificate of participation.
A wide range of organisations and agencies will also take part, including PMG Pharmacy, 20dB Hearing and 20dB Therapy Tree, Fitarch, Hearing Concept, CR Origin Resonance, Jiumoxa Kuching Saradise, Allunique, GS Health Consultancy, AscendPATH Solutions, Crown Fiduciary, AFFIN Bank, Snow Marketing, Yakult (Malaysia), Atomy Kuching/Atomy Shine Center, Follow Tea House, The Lifting Club, Mahalo. The Acai Bar and Alpro Clinic.
Government agencies, non-governmental organisations and community service organisations participating include the Employees Provident Fund (EPF/KWSP), Kuching Divisional Social Welfare Office, Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) Kuching Branch, S Pay Global, Pay and Go Sdn Bhd, St John Ambulance Sarawak, Organ Procurement Unit of Sarawak General Hospital, Pertubuhan Pembangunan Insan Sarawak and Kuching Autistic Association.
Supreme Consolidated Resources Bhd, Mayora Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Nestlé Products Sdn Bhd are also sponsoring the event.
Visitors can also find various food options throughout the day, including food trucks, Chinese and Japanese food, baked goods and beverages.
The organisers said the carnival is intended to encourage people of all ages to take a more active interest in their health and wellbeing while connecting the community with health services and practical information.
“Together for Health 2.0 – A Community Health Carnival” will be held this Sunday (Oct 4) at the SUPP Headquarters.
For more information, contact 016-866 1830 or 019-818 0503. — DayakDaily
