Free cholesterol checks at fair
Half of Malaysians at risk of heart disease
PETALING JAYA: One in two Malaysians has high cholesterol but is unaware that the condition is a risk factors for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the country.
Every adult should understand how their heart works, how heart disease occurs, and what they can do to prevent it.
There are risk factors that cannot be controlled but diet and exercise are factors within our control. This is the message Nestle Omega Plus hopes to drive home at the upcoming Fit For Life KL 2017.
“We urge Malaysians to take care of their health, especially their heart health, as the situation is quite worrying.
“It used to be one in three Malaysians with high cholesterol but now, it’s almost 50% of the population, with a significant percentage below the age of 40,” said Chris Chan, Nestle’s consumer marketing manager, milks business unit.
A 2014 global survey by Nestle revealed cholesterol levels were highest among people above 55 and who led a rich lifestyle, but in Malaysia, it was below 40.
Cholesterol, a fat-like substance, travels around in the bloodstream in high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL). HDL is considered as good cholesterol because it gobbles up cholesterol and takes it back to the liver for disposal.
LDL, often referred as bad cholesterol, carries cholesterol around to the parts of your body that need it. If you have too much LDL in your bloodstream, it can cling to the walls of your arteries, eventually clogging them up.
“We know that food has a role to play in cholesterol, so we can do something about it. We will be conducting free cholesterol checks at the fair because most people don’t bother to get it checked.
“Although the awareness has gone up, it’s not translating into action, as people don’t seem to care. Caring for their heart is not their top concern,” added Chan during a sponsorship presentation at Menara Star here yesterday.
The sixth instalment of Fit For Life KL 2017 will see 54 exhibitors and 140 booths highlighting the latest healthy lifestyle tips including nutrition, fitness and diet trends.
In addition to stage activities and health talks, this year will also see the inclusion of a synthetic ice skating rink and virtual walk.
This is Nestle Omega Plus’ fourth time participating in the country’s biggest health fair.
The company will be taking up 10 booths and offer product samplings, as well as educational games, nutritional talks and tips on how to take care of the heart.
Fit For Life KL 2017, with the theme “Get Fit. Live Great!” aims to inspire Malaysians to lead a healthy lifestyle by being physically and mentally fit.
Fit For Life KL 2017 is organised by Star Media Group Berhad with Great Eastern Life as exclusive event partner.
Nestle Omega Plus is the official wellness sponsor.
The fair will be held in Halls 1 to 3 of the Mid Valley Exhibition Centre from April 21 to 23.
It is open from 10am to 7pm and admission is free. For enquiries, call 03-79671388 (ext 1529/1243/1466) or visit us at www.facebook. com/starhealthfair.