World Heart Day 2022 on 25 September
KUCHING: The Sarawak Heart Foundation is hosting World Heart Day 2022 after a lapse of two years, at Kuching City South Council (MBKS), Jalan Padungan, Kuching on 25 September 2022.
Organising chairman, YB Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian said at a press conference today that the theme for this year’s World Heart Day is “Use Heart for Every Heart”. Use Heart means to think differently. To make the right decisions. To act with courage. To help others. To engage with this important cause. The heart is the only organ you can hear and feel. It is the first and last sign of life.
Dato Sri Dr Sim who is also the Foundation deputy chairman and Deputy Premier of Sarawak added that World Heart Day is an opportunity for everyone to stop and consider how best to use heart for humanity, for nature, and for you.
By getting involved with global events such as World Heart Day as well as local activities, we are empowered to spread awareness and help make a difference in the lives of all humankind.
With air pollution responsible for 25 per cent of cardiovascular deaths, by walking or cycling instead of travelling by car, or longer-term efforts such as supporting clean air legislation, we can contribute to a healthier planet in our own way.
As psychological stress can double the risk of having a heart attack, exercise, meditation and getting enough quality sleep help to lower stress levels and we can maximise our individual heart health.
“Beating cardiovascular disease is something that matters to every beating heart”, Dato Sri Dr Sim said.
He thanked MBKS for providing the venue and its facilities for the event. MBKS with its vast grounds will be able to accommodate the crowd.
“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,” he said.
“We want to reach as many individuals as possible to help achieve cardiovascular health for every heart”.
World Heart Day is a global event celebrated on 29 September that sees individuals, families, communities, organisations and governments around the world take part in activities to take charge of their heart health and that of others.
Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud, who is the Chairman of the Foundation will officiate the launching of the event and lead the participants in the Walk-A-Mile.
The registration fee of RM10 for the Walk-A-Mile comes with a Sarawak Heart Foundation T-shirt, balloon (first-come, first-serve), breakfast and a ticket for the lucky draw. Prizes in the lucky draw include the latest Apple Watch Series.
The Sarawak Heart Centre will conduct free health screening for the public from 8 am onwards. The health screening covers Body Mass Index, blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol as well as health counselling with doctors.
Physiotherapists with the Sarawak Heart Centre will conduct ‘Fitness Test’ too while Sarawak Breast Cancer Support Group will conduct self-breast examination. Zdance will lead the participants in the warm-up for the ‘Walk-A-Mile’.
As with every World Heart Day celebration, the Foundation always has the support of 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 Foundation office at No. 11, 1st Floor, Lot 2343 Bormill Estate Commercial Centre, Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce. For further enquiries, please contact Angeline/Jenny at tel. 082-233784 or hp. 0128868491.
First Sarawak Combat Against Cardiovascular Disease Cartoon and Doodle Competition
Dato Sri Dr Sim also announced the Foundation’s collaboration with Swinburne University of Technology in hosting the first Sarawak Combat Against Cardiovascular Disease Cartoon and Doodle Competition in conjunction with World Heart Day. Apart from the objective of tapping local talent in cartoon and doodle art, the competition aims to increase awareness of healthy heart living among our youth.
What is unique about this competition is the opportunity to use digital technology and doodle art to raise awareness of CVD among Sarawakian students who can take part in three categories: primary students 13 years and below, secondary students 19 years and below and university undergraduates or college students. Each category offers cash prizes and certificates for the first three winners and 10 consolation prizes. Closing date for submission of entries is 9 September 2022.
The winning artworks will be on display at MBKS lobby on 25 September and at Swinburne Sarawak Campus on 1 October where various activities including free health screening and free self-breast examination will be held to mark the end of the World Heart Day celebration. Visit www.swinburne.edu.my/worldheartday2022 for more information on the competition.
Dato Sri Dr Sim appealed for public support for the Foundation in promoting a heart-healthy community in Sarawak. Its core activities include providing financial assistance to poor heart patients in Sarawak for heart treatment in Malaysia and increasing awareness of heart health through public health exhibitions, health talks as well as free health screenings.
Apart from sponsoring medical equipment for the recuperation and rehabilitation of heart patients in public hospitals in Sarawak, the Foundation also provides grants and sponsorships to hospitals, institutions of higher learning and professionals in the medical field to enable them to carry out research on heart-related diseases.
Dated: 20 July 2022
