DIABETES is among the diseases that are preventable and it is important to have an awarenes on its preventive measures, says state Works, Utilities and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari.
“According to the International Diabetes Federation, Malaysia has recorded approximately 3.5 million cases of diabetes prevalence in adults in the year 2017, reflecting approximately 17% of the Malaysian adult population.
“This statistic is not surprising as Malaysia is one of the most obese countries in Asia with an overweight and obesity rate of more than 45.3%, with 49% of women and 44% of men obese.
“I think in Malaysia, the ‘lifestyle diseases’ such as diabetes is quite common. These diseases are preventable if the individuals embrace a healthy life style,’’ Zairil added.
Zairil said the Federal Government is looking into this issue seriously, thus has introduced the new sugar tax effective from first of July 2019.
“Meanwhile, the state government has been actively looking after the wellbeing of the people by organising health screenings in collaboration with Penang Adventist Hospital (PAH) and Diabetes Malaysia of Penang branch which have benefited more than 3,000 employees of Penang Island City Council,’’ he added.
In conjunction with World Diabetes Day, PAH is joining hands with Diabetes Malaysia Penang branch and state Health Department to organise ‘Dance with Diabetes’ on Nov 17 at Straits Quay from 8am to 12 pm.
The public can participate in the fitness activities, which include aerobic dance, Zumba dance, and cardio fitness workout with a registration fee of RM10.
Apart from that, there will be also free health screening for public, including height, weight, BMI, body fat and blood pleasure tests.
Free blood glucose test is available for those aged 40 and above but limited to first 200 pax and blood cholesterol test limited to first 50 pax. The state Health Department will be also providing free foot assessment.
PAH chief executive officer Ronald Koh said the hospital has been promoting active lifestyle while raising awareness among the public on family support in helping diabetic patients to stay active and healthy.
“In addition, people can also gain valuable insight from our nutritionists through diabetic-friendly cooking demonstrations,’’ Koh said.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi