Free health screening for visitors at Kuching Heart Week

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Kon (fourth right) and Dr Asri (third right) with the rest of the Kuching Heart Week 2016 organising committee.

Kon (fourth right) and Dr Asri (third right) with the rest of the Kuching Heart Week 2016 organising committee.

KUCHING: Sarawak Heart Foundation (SHF), in collaboration with Malaysian Heart Foundation, is organising the ‘Kuching Heart Week’ which will take place at Vivacity Megamall’s East Atrium here from May 20 to 22.

Chief Minister’s wife Datin Patinggi Dato Jamilah Anu, who is SHF trustee, is expected to officiate at the event on May 21.

Members of the public can get the opportunity to undergo free health screening that includes body mass index, blood glucose, cholesterol level as well as health counselling conducted by medical personnel, from 10am to 9pm throughout the three days.

“For more accurate results, those coming in for health screening are advised to fast for at least six hours prior to the blood test,” said organising chairperson Pauline Kon during a press conference at Sarawak Heart Centre near here yesterday.

Sarawak Heart Centre director Dr Asri Riffin was also present.

Consultant neurologist Dr Chai Chiun Hian will present a talk on ‘How to prevent stroke and heart attack’ on May 21, from 3pm to 4pm.

The session will be in both English and Bahasa Malaysia.

Other activities throughout the weekend event will be anti-smoking test, demonstrations on cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), games for the whole family, as well as physical activities such as gymnastics, Zumba, aerobics and folk dancing.

There will be two categories of Kids Artwork (3D and Felt Craft) challenge – one for children aged seven to nine; and another for those aged 10-12.

Registration forms for both Kids Artwork and balloon twisting programmes are available now and can be obtained by calling Ms Chin at 016-8312783 before May 18.

Physical Activity Books will also be distributed to the headmasters of 70 primary schools, while posters related to heart disease will be displayed for public viewing.

Kuching Heart Week 2016 is supported by Coramax Mall Sdn Bhd – manager of Vivacity Megamall, Sarawak Heart Centre and several fitness centres across the city.

The SHF has been running similar events across the state for the past several years to increase public awareness on heart disease.

The campaign also aims to educate the public, especially the youths, on the aspects of heart illness, as well as early prevention and control.

The SHF welcomes public support and donations to continue running these activities.

For more information, contact 082-258212, visit sarawakheartfoundation.org.my, or look up the foundation on Facebook.