Gleneagles KK organises heart health campaign
KOTA KINABALU: Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Hospital organized its fun-filled ‘I Love My Heart’ campaign to raise public awareness on heart health at Imago Shopping Mall here yesterday.
“Cardiovascular disease is the world’s number one killer and research found it is currently responsible for almost 17.5 million premature deaths per year and could possibly rise to 23 million by 2030,” said Sabah Welfare Services Department director Mohd Noor Wahab when launching the campaign at the mall.
“Every year in Malaysia, about 144 Malaysians die of heart attack per day. Those who survive may have further heart problems. As you can see, there is definitely a need to increase public awareness about this deadly disease.
“Health Awareness events such as ‘I Love My Heart’ – in conjunction with World Heart Day 2017, will be able to attract public attention towards health issues and raise awareness, especially among those who have a high risk of getting cardiovascular disease.
“There should be more of these educational events to educate the public,” he added.
Hundreds of visitors were also given a chance at the RM1,500 grand lucky draw prize, TomTom Spark Cardio + Music GPS Fitness watch and other great prizes by participating in the free basic health screenings, counselling by dietitians, quit smoking clinics, echo scans and fitness education at the event.
In addition, Zumba activities, health talks, CPR demonstration and plentiful of activities were also provided for adults and kids alike.
One of the highlights of the campaign were the fund-raising activities held for the Society for the Sabah Heart Fund (SOSHF).
Famed photographer Louis Pang captured visitors’ photographs for any amount of contributions in aid of children with congenital heart diseases.
For a nominal RM10, families and children could create their own sand art and contribute to the cause as well during the campaign, which started from 10.30am to 4pm yesterday.
Until October 31, members of the public are also invited to visit an ongoing educational exhibition located at the lobby of Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu.
Information boards and instruments such as stents and pacemakers will be on display at the exhibition.