International Medical University wins first prize at World Spine Day competition

THE annual celebration of World Spine Day ( WSD) has once again found its way back to International Medical University ( IMU).

It took place on October 18 and 19. Celebrated universally on 16 October annually since 2010, WSD is briefly a themedevent collaboration between organisations around the world with a primary objective of raising awareness on the prevention and the effective management of spinal health. In 2016, the celebrated theme was ‘ Straighten Up and Move’.

This year, the student organisers from the chiropractic programme had shaken up the celebration a bit by increasing not only the number events but also the level of awareness in order to live up to the original objective of the event by holding WSDrelated events outside of the university campus.

The preparation processes were clearly seen via the fundraising events around the university which included foodstuff as well as selfdesigned t- shirt sales.

These sales received much attention from both the student body and the university staff.

Besides fundraising, prior to any of the events plans, a number of social media accounts were set up as a communicative bridge between the organisers and the targeted audience which reached a total over 500 followers.

Various event details and promotional advertisements along with many informative graphical content were delivered via social media.

Furthermore, the preparation of decorations was equally appreciated by all.

As early as middle of September, IMU WSD 2016 celebrations kick- started with an educational community project held at the Dignity for Children ( DFC) Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, supported by IMU Cares.

Mainly refugee children and the urban poor from ages 10 to 14 years were involved in the event whereby they were made aware of the importance of spinal health maintenance from a young age.

Talks were delivered, fun activities such as aerobics took place and free spinal screenings, were given to all students who participated.

As the dates of the main event were approaching, an event known as the Powerlifting and Fitness Challenge Competition was held between October 5 and 7 and in conjunction with the university’s annual sports event: IMU Cup 2016 to encourage people to exercise and promote the concepts of staying fit and healthy as part of their everyday life.

Over 400 participants competed for their houses under categories based on weight, gender and student- orstaff status.

At a special area in IMU’s atrium, free spinal screening services were also provided during the main event to students, staff, and external visitors. Participants underwent postural analysis and GALS assessment which are mainly done by chiropractic students from Semesters 1 to 6.

These assessments are used to detect any postural or locomotor abnormalities and functional disability in a patient.

Their outcomes were then recorded in a Chiropractic Examination form and were brought over to the consultation table for evaluation and advice based on their conditions.

At the end of the event, we are delighted to have about 300 participants visiting the spinal screening booths.

Making IMU WSD to live up to this year’s theme of ‘ Straighten Up and Move’, booths of various games and other fun activities such as a yoga challenge, force place thrust exercises as well as ‘ Insanity Challenge’ aerobics were set up with the sole purpose of raising awareness in leading a healthy and active lifestyle.

Moreover, these activities are carried out with the intention of introducing the Chiropractic profession to many others.

To top it off, a closing ceremony was held to provide this year’s celebration with a momentous ending.

A flash mob took place with the WSD committee members wearing the gigantic spinal structures that was hung across the atrium just moments before the flash mob begun.

Soon after, a prize- giving ceremony was presented for all winners of the competitions that occurred throughout the WSD celebration.

These competitions include the ‘ Thrusting Competition’, the ‘ HandGrip Challenge’ and the WSD photography competition.

To end this year’s WSD, a charitable representative from Damai Disabled Person Association Malaysia, was invited to receive a mock cheque of RM1,000 as a donation from the WSD funds.

IMU is the first and only University to offer the complete chiropractic educational programme in Malaysia as well as in all of Southeast Asia.

The 4- year Bachelor of Science ( Hons) Chiropractic programme at IMU was awarded full accreditation by the prestigious Council on Chiropractic Education, Australasia ( CCEA).

Intake for this programme is in February and August of each year.

If you have a desire to be a healthcare professional that is rapidly expanding throughout the world, apply now for an excellent start to an exciting and highly rewarding career.

If you have just completed your SPM and do not have pre- university qualification, consider enrolling in the one- year IMU Foundation in Science, the preferred foundation and direct route for entry into any of the University’s local degree programmes.

For more information, please refer to www. imu. edu. my or email: start@ imu. edu. my or call IMU at 03 - 2731 7272.