UCSI Promoting healthy living

UCSI University held its annual 10th public health campaign at Berjaya Megamall, Kuantan recently. The event aimed to raise awareness among the public on the dangers of obesity and how to sustain healthy lifestyle habits.

The campaign, held for the first time in the east coast, was officially launched by Pahang health director Dr Nooraini Baba.

The two-day event, themed “Care for Health, Prevent Obesity”, was organised by the university’s Pharmacy Students Association from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

A student checking a woman’s blood pressure levels at the campaign.

Also present was UCSI University vice-chancellor Dr Robert Bong.

Some 1,300 people turned up at the booths set up by the students.

In his speech, Dr Bong said their goal was to make the university a public asset not only for the local community but also at the national and international levels.

“This can be done through our education programmes, research and public outreach activities.

“As we continue to embark on our campaign, we hope the public will take what they have learnt and share with the rest of the people.

“Together, we can take the first step in achieving a healthier, happier and more productive nation as Malaysia continues to move forward,” he added.

Dr Nooraini said prevention was always better than cure and the public should take the opportunity to learn about good and healthy lifestyles.

The event’s organising chairman Hor Chun Kit said he those who attended benefited from the various screening tests and activities conducted.

“Most importantly, I hope that those who took part in this campaign were made more aware that they must take care and be responsible for their own health,” he added.

The students organised a series of activities including presenting the facts and figures of staying lean and mean through interactive ways such as touch-screen computers.

Attendants also took the opportunity to check their blood pressure, glucose level and body mass index while qualified pharmacists gave counselling to those who required medical advice.

The campaign highlighted the need for healthy practices such as having a proper diet and moderate exercise as well as abstaining from cigarettes and alcohol.

sources : the star online