KUCHING: The World Heart Day celebration will be making a return after two years, hosted by Sarawak Heart Foundation (SHF) at Kuching City South Council (MBKS) here on Sept 25.
“With air pollution responsible for 25 per cent of cardiovascular deaths, by walking or cycling instead of driving, or long-term efforts such as supporting clean air legislation, we can contribute to a healthier planet in our own way,” said Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
“Beating cardiovascular disease is something that matters to every beating heart,” the Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government said during a press conference on World Heart Day and the inaugural Sarawak Combat Against Cardiovascular Disease cartoon and doodle competition at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here on Wednesday (July 20).
Dr Sim, who is also the organising chairman and SHF deputy chairman, thanked MBKS for providing the venue and facilities for the event.
“This is what we would like to see – people who are conscious of heart health and who will take part in the various activities, including the free health screening on that day.
“We want to reach as many individuals as possible to help achieve cardiovascular health for every heart,” he added.
Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, who is the SHF chairman, will launch the event and lead the participants in the ‘Walk-A-Mile’ programme.
The registration fee of RM10 for the ‘Walk-A-Mile’ comes with a SHF T-shirt, balloon (first come, first served), breakfast and a ticket for the lucky draw, with prizes including the latest Apple Watch series.
The Sarawak Heart Centre will conduct free health screening from 8am onwards, covering Body Mass Index, blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol as well as health counselling with doctors.
Physiotherapists with the Sarawak Heart Centre will conduct fitness tests as well while Sarawak Breast Cancer Support Group will conduct self-breast examinations. Additionally, Zdance will lead the participants in the warm-up for the ‘Walk-A-Mile’.
As with every celebration, SHF always has the support of its partners Sarawak Heart Centre, Nestle Products Sdn Bhd, Genesis Water, F&N Beverages Marketing Sdn Bhd and Farley Supermarket.
Registration for the ‘Walk-A-Mile’ can be made at the SHF office at No. 11, 1st Floor, Lot 2343 Bormill Estate Commercial Centre, Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce. For enquiries, contact Angeline or Jenny at 082-233 784 or 012-886 8491.
Meanwhile, Dr Sim also announced SHF’s collaboration with Swinburne University of Technology in hosting the first Sarawak Combat Against Cardiovascular Disease cartoon and doodle competition.
The unique part of the competition is the opportunity to use digital technology and doodle art to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease. There are three categories – primary school pupils 13 years and below, secondary school students 19 years and below, and university undergraduates or college students.
The competition offers cash prizes totalling RM12,000 and the closing date for submission of entries is Sept 9.
The winning artworks will be on display at the MBKS lobby on Sept 25 and at Swinburne Sarawak Campus on Oct 1. Visit www.swinburne.edu.my/worldheartday2022 for more information.
