2,000 turn up for hospital's health festival in Selangor
Over 2,000 individuals joined the inaugural Life Moves Festival hosted by Sunway Medical Centre (SMC) in Sunway City, Selangor, and rallied to take charge of their health.
According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023, 15.6% of Malaysian adults lived with diabetes, while over 50% were overweight or obese, SMC said in a statement.
Cardiovascular disease and cancer remained major contributors to premature mortality, with many cases detected only at advanced stages, making early intervention more vital than ever, it said.
The event aimed to bring core health services into a communal open-door setting, offering free screenings and assessments including blood glucose and cholesterol checks, body composition analysis and urine tests.
SMC medical professionals were on hand to provide wellness guidance, with many participants receiving consultation on their health.
'In many cases, early detection and effective management can improve patients' outcomes and control the progression of non-communicable diseases,' said Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City chief executive officer Dr Seow Vei Ken.
'We encourage the community to take their health seriously.
'Sometimes, the first step is simply knowing where you stand.
'Early action and accountability strengthen our healthcare system and benefit the nation in the long run,' Dr Seow added.
One of the standout experiences was the 'Jantungku' walkthrough exhibit, a multi-sensory journey through the cardiovascular system.
The exhibit served as a powerful reminder of how everyday lifestyle choices directly impact long-term well-being.
Parents and children enjoyed the health-themed game stations and hands-on activities at the family-friendly event, while shoppers explored the vibrant health marketplace.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
4 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Men, don't wait for pain to be the wake-up call
GLENEAGLES Hospital Johor (GHJ) urologist consultant Dr Zainal Adwin Zainal Abiddin said many Malaysian men continued to view symptoms such as weak urine flow or sexual dysfunction as too sensitive to discuss and often brush them aside until the problem worsens. "These symptoms are frequently downplayed because they are seen as private or emasculating. But delaying treatment can lead to more invasive procedures, higher complication rates and poorer recovery outcomes." Dr Zainal also one of Malaysia's few fellowship-trained robotic urology surgeons who underwent advanced training in Glasgow, Scotland. He said many men are raised to see pain as weakness. Many view urological symptoms as embarrassing, so there's a tendency to downplay or ignore them, hoping the symptoms will go away. He warned that early signs like frequent urination, blood in the urine, testicular lumps or erectile difficulties could point to more serious conditions, such as prostate enlargement, kidney disease, or even undiagnosed or early-stage cancers. Dr Zainal said men in their 40s and 50s commonly face issues like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), erectile dysfunction and prostate or kidney cancers. Early detection, he stressed, allows for less invasive intervention and better long-term quality of life. "Once symptoms progress, treatment may no longer be straightforward. Some men end up with irreversible damage or need more aggressive treatment than if they had come earlier. "Men in this age group often downplay or ignore symptoms like frequent or painful urination, weak urine flow blood in urine, besides testicular lumps and erectile dysfunction. "These symptoms are seen as embarrassing, so they often suffer in silence. "But by delaying treatment, they miss the window for less invasive options and that can lead to irreversible complications like incontinence, sexual dysfunction or even cancer progression," he said. Gleneagles Hospital Johor pulls out all the stops by investing heavily in cutting-edge medical equipment and technologies. The hospital aims to deliver faster recovery and treatments with minimal pain for its patients. The robotic urology surgery merges machine precision with human mastery. Using robotic arms controlled from a console, surgeons are able to operate in tight pelvic areas with unmatched dexterity, 3D vision, and minimal trauma to surrounding tissues. GHJ's growing team of consultants are pioneering the use of robotic-assisted surgery — a state-of-the-art technique that's revolutionising treatment for conditions such as prostate cancer, kidney tumours, bladder complications and ureteric disorders. Among the tools changing the game is robotic-assisted surgery. Using robotic arms controlled via a console, surgeons are able to perform complex procedures through small incisions with unparalleled precision. "Robotic surgery offers 3D high-definition vision and fine control. It's especially useful in the pelvic area where space is tight, like in prostate surgery. We're talking smaller cuts, less blood loss and faster recovery," Dr Zainal said. Unlike the name suggests, the robot does not operate on its own. It's an extension of the surgeon's hands, offering better dexterity and control. Patients regain urinary and sexual function faster with fewer complications. "The word 'robot' makes some people nervous." "But let's be clear, the robot doesn't move unless I move. It's not autonomous — it's an advanced surgical tool that lets me do far more, with far less harm," Dr Zainal explained. Robotic procedures involve smaller incisions, less blood loss, lower infection risk, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery and better preservation of urinary control and sexual function. Apart from being less invasive, robotic-assisted surgeries significantly shorten recovery time, allowing patients to heal faster and return to their routines sooner. "Many of my patients return to work within a few weeks. More importantly, they return to their lives — restored confidence, relationships and independence," said Dr Zainal. He urged families, particularly spouses and children, to speak up when they notice changes in their husbands, fathers, uncles and brothers. "Often times men will ignore the symptoms, but will act for the people they care about." Dr Zainal's message to men is clear: "own your health". "Health is a man's greatest wealth but unlike money, it can't be earned back once it's gone," he said. "I've seen how early action, combined with advanced treatments, like robotic surgery, can give men a second chance. But that chance starts with a decision — to own your health, today." "So, gentlemen, please don't wait for pain to be the wake-up call. Get checked. Get treated. And get back to living fully."
The Star
12 hours ago
- The Star
2,000 turn up for hospital's health festival in Selangor
The Life Moves Festival by Sunway Medical Centre drew thousands of enthusiastic attendees. Over 2,000 individuals joined the inaugural Life Moves Festival hosted by Sunway Medical Centre (SMC) in Sunway City, Selangor, and rallied to take charge of their health. According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023, 15.6% of Malaysian adults lived with diabetes, while over 50% were overweight or obese, SMC said in a statement. Cardiovascular disease and cancer remained major contributors to premature mortality, with many cases detected only at advanced stages, making early intervention more vital than ever, it said. The event aimed to bring core health services into a communal open-door setting, offering free screenings and assessments including blood glucose and cholesterol checks, body composition analysis and urine tests. SMC medical professionals were on hand to provide wellness guidance, with many participants receiving consultation on their health. 'In many cases, early detection and effective management can improve patients' outcomes and control the progression of non-communicable diseases,' said Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City chief executive officer Dr Seow Vei Ken. 'We encourage the community to take their health seriously. 'Sometimes, the first step is simply knowing where you stand. 'Early action and accountability strengthen our healthcare system and benefit the nation in the long run,' Dr Seow added. One of the standout experiences was the 'Jantungku' walkthrough exhibit, a multi-sensory journey through the cardiovascular system. The exhibit served as a powerful reminder of how everyday lifestyle choices directly impact long-term well-being. Parents and children enjoyed the health-themed game stations and hands-on activities at the family-friendly event, while shoppers explored the vibrant health marketplace.
The Star
12 hours ago
- The Star
Normalise mental health talks at universities
PETALING JAYA: As over 900,000 Malaysian adolescents faced mental health issues in 2023, experts stress the need to normalise discussions on mental health, as well as to reduce stigma and to improve access to support systems. Malaysian Mental Health Association president Prof Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj highlighted the growing mental health concerns of university students, which worsened during the Covid-19 pandemic. Factors such as academic pressure, financial strain, social isolation and uncertain job prospects continue to affect students, he said. 'Even now after the pandemic, the mental health of students at universities continues to be a concern as they worry about their employability and career prospects when the economy of the country is not perceptibly encouraging. 'Many jobs are being made redundant due to the rise of artificial intelligence, as well as the prevalence of remote working and part-time employment,' he said. Despite existing mental health support in some institutions, the stigma discourages students from seeking help, especially from in-house counsellors. Many prefer external services, which are often costly. Some married students also juggle family responsibilities alongside studies, adding to their mental burden. To address this, Dr Mohanraj proposed an inter-university counselling network to widen access. He urges universities to embed mental health education, including stress management and emotional regulation, in their curricula to normalise the conversation. He recommended replacing high-stakes exams with continuous assessments, improving financial aid options like hardship allowances and part-time jobs, and enhancing campus environments through recreational spaces and nutritious food. 'There must be a national-level action plan to coordinate efforts across universities. This must be spearheaded by the Higher Education Ministry. 'This strategy must include anti-bullying policies and enforcement across universities instead of leaving it to the sole discretion of the individual universities to truly reflect zero-tolerance towards bullying,' he said. This will also enhance public confidence in our tertiary education system. Bullying, particularly cyberbullying and body shaming, is also one of the leading causes of increased stress, anxiety and depression among university students. 'This phenomenon is not just restricted to primary and secondary school students,' he added. Prof Dr Mariani Md Nor, a psychologist at SEGi University, called for a multi-pronged strategy. This includes strong institutional support, mental health awareness, balanced academic systems, active parental and community involvement, and national policies. Universities and schools should establish counselling services, peer support groups and mental health hotlines. Trained counsellors can provide early interventions before problems escalate. 'For that reason, it is crucially important to promote mental health awareness by sending information to the public that normalising discussions around mental wellbeing can reduce stigma,' she said. The lack of support, she said, discourages students from seeking help and leaves issues unaddressed until they become severe. On the policy front, Dr Mariani suggested more government funding for mental health resources, subsidised counselling and school-based screening programmes for early detection of at-risk students. She also addressed the impact of social media, noting that excessive screen time can disrupt sleep and reduce real-world social interactions. Unrealistic portrayals of success and lifestyle online can also lead to low self-esteem, while cyberbullying and misinformation further harm mental wellbeing. Sunway Medical Centre clinical psychologist Evelyn Ngui Ailing said fostering community within higher education institutions is vital. 'Universities can offer interest-based clubs and activities like yoga, Pilates, book clubs and spirituality circles to promote connectivity. 'Teachers and mental health advocates can be trained to conduct weekly check-ins with small student groups to identify warning signs early,' she said. She also recommended creating 'safe spaces' on campus – small, private areas where students can seek emotional support. This fosters a culture where mental health is treated as part of overall health, encouraging openness and reducing stigma. 'The awareness of mental health has improved in recent years due to the power and influence of social media. I hear issues on mental health being voiced out and shared regularly among young adults. 'Although some content may contain misinformation, consumers of social media should always verify and cross-check mental health information. 'On the other hand, social media (and virtual messaging) cannot be used as the sole compensation to improve social connectivity, as the presence of supportive individuals is key to improving mental wellbeing,' she added. The National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023 found that one million Malaysians aged 16 and above suffer from depression. Additionally, mental health issues among children and adolescents have more than doubled, from 424,000 cases in 2019 to 922,000 in 2023.
