Physiotherapist raises funds for cancer by doing bodyweight exercises for 31 days
THROUGH THE PINK-A-THON EVENT, MUNESHPARAMSIVAM GOUNDER AIMS TO RAISE AWARENESS ON CANCER
Pink-a-thon champion Muneshparamsivam Gounder has challenged himself to do body weight exercises for 31 days to raise awareness on cancer.
For the senior physiotherapist at Suva Physio Centre, the body weight exercises included 30 pushups, 20 squats, 10 burpees and 10 pull-ups.
This is part of the Pink-a-thon challenge which was organised by the Fiji Cancer Society.
Early detection is key, exercise is a very important part of cancer treatment according to the individual which would be designed and prescribed. Muneshparamsivam Gounder Senior physiotherapist for Suva Physio Centre
Motivation
While this is his first attempt for this challenge, he said it was a worthy course to raise awareness on cancer.
“I chose to participate in Fiji Cancer Society virtual pink-a-thon to promote the importance of seeking help as soon as possible from earliest signs and symptoms or basically getting a routine check-up to ensure good health as due to a close family member who had cancer and passed away at a very young age.
“The other reason would be promoting the role of physiotherapy and rehabilitation for cancer,” said Mr Gounder.
Importance of early check up
Mr Gounder added that getting yearly check-ups is advisable as it would give people an opportunity to keep track of their health.
He further added that talking and sharing also helped to know that support is there to battle cancer.
“If you feel something’s not right, approach medical professionals who can help and guide you on the proper treatment.
“Early detection is key, exercise is a very important part of cancer treatment according to the individual which would be designed and prescribed,” said Mr Gounder.
In terms of raising awareness for Pinktober, Mr Gounder said it should not only be carried out in October but all year round.
He said the importance of knowing what breast cancer is should be understood by all.
“To be honest I did not know family members/ friends would have or had breast cancer until I started this virtual pink-a-thon. I was glad to post information about breast cancer, cervical cancer and ovarian cancer which made them open-up and share.
“If I had known before, I would advise them to see a medical professional who specialises in this field whilst I could do the physiotherapy rehabilitation,” said Mr Gounder.
For Mr Gounder, pinktober meant raising awareness for women and men who have breast cancer or are predisposed to it.
He said the understanding the signs and symptoms of breast cancer is important.
“I would advise the public to support and donate what you can as even a small
amount would mean millions for the campaign,” said Mr Gounder.