DYTM Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah Ibni Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah, Crown Prince of Perak Darul Ridzuan Flags Off, Runs in and Makes a Surprise Contribution of RM100,000 To The ‘Larian Kardio 2007’ Charity Run
First charity run and health awareness fair by the Cardiology Unit of University Malaya Medical Centre raises RM340,519 for needy heart patients
First charity run and health awareness fair by the Cardiology Unit of University Malaya Medical Centre raises RM340,519 for needy heart patients
Kuala Lumpur, September 2, 2007 – DYTM Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah Ibni Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah, Crown Prince of Perak Darul Ridzuan flagged off, participated in and made a surprise RM100,000 contribution to the first Larian Kardio charity run, that was held at the Sports Centre on the main campus of University Malaya, here today.
University Malaya Medical Centre’s (UMMC) Cardiology Unit set up the Tabung Larian Kardio fund to raise RM500,000 in aid of underprivileged heart patients who need urgent treatment, and organised the charity run and health awareness fair as the main fundraising event. As at August 31, RM240,519 in cash and pledges had been raised. DYTM Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah Ibni Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah’s generous contribution brought the total funds raised to RM340,519.
Larian Kardio featured six categories, namely the Men’s Open (18 to 39 years), Men’s Senior (40 years & above), Women’s Open (18 to 34 years), Women’s Senior (35 years & above), corporate team race and VIP run.
DYTM Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah Ibni Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah prepares to flag off the public and corporate teams participating in Larian Kardio 2007
According to Prof Dr. Wan Azman bin Wan Ahmad, Head of the UMMC Cardiology Unit, the charity run and health awareness fair served the dual purpose of raising funds and increasing awareness of the benefits of regular exercise in reducing the risk of heart disease.
“The profile of Malaysian heart patients is changing from being a disease of men in their 50s and women in their 60s, to increasingly being seen among men and women in their late 30s and early 40s. There is a strong link between the sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diet of people in this age group, and the increased incidence of heart disease,” Prof Dr. Wan Azman said.
Chairman of Larian Kardio and Health Awareness Fair 2007, Associate Prof Dr. Haizal Haron Kamar, a consultant cardiologist at UMMC, emphasised that heart disease is on the rise in Malaysia.
Statistics from the Ministry of Health show that heart disease has been the number one killer in Malaysia since 1970. Last year 40,000 patients died of heart disease in public hospitals alone, representing 15.5% of total deaths.
“Most people are unaware of their risk of cardiovascular disease, because they don’t take the time to go for regular health screenings. We need to make time for health because if detected early, risk factors can be managed for better outcomes. Among the easiest ways to reduce risk of heart disease is regular exercise – a minimum of 30 minutes, thrice a week,” he said.
He cited data from the Ministry of Health, which showed that 70% of adult Malaysians do not exercise, with 60% of this group listing lack of time as their reason for skipping fitness activities. Only 11% of Malaysians exercise three times a week or more, on a regular basis.
“The effect of heart disease on the financial and emotional well-being of families is devastating, especially when the main breadwinner is affected during their peak productive years. Don’t let ‘lack of time’ jeopardise your health – make time for regular exercise,” said Assoc Prof Dr. Haizal.
“Be our partners in health,” he added, appealing to more corporate and public sponsors to support the Larian Kardio fund which is still open for contributions.
Klang Valley residents flocked to the Larian Kardio health awareness fair for the free health screening including body mass index, blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol. The free customized dietetic (nutritionist) services attracted many visitors, while hands-on demos on basic first aid and cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) were a big draw.
Representatives from the local entertainment industry such as Zainal Abidin, Anuar Zain, Farah, Zubir Ali, Pija, Rem and harmonica virtuoso & former UMMC heart patient, Francis Rogers, supported Larian Kardio through almost four hours of free performances.
Anuar performed at Larian KardioThree corporate sponsors were recognised for their significant contribution of RM30,000 and above to the Larian Kardio fund, namely Boston Scientific (M) Sdn Bhd, Mayban Fortis and Pfizer (M) Sdn Bhd.
Corporate sponsors and members of the public who would like to contribute to the Larian Kardio fund can log on to www.ummc.edu.my or www.lariankardio.blogspot.com or contact the Larian Kardio 2007 Secretariat at 603.8075.6000 for more details.
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