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Heart Disease Top Killer In Brunei
By Azlan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - More than 20 per cent of the medical-related deaths in the country last year were due to heart diseases, which put into perspective the importance of physical exercise.

Brunei recorded 1,010 medical-related deaths last year with heart disease topping the chart with 213 cases. Of the 213 deaths, 115 were men and 98 were women.

The number of heart-related deaths was followed by cancer (156), diabetes (82), cerebro-vascular disease (77), bronchitis chronic emphysema and asthma (68), influenza and pneumonia (59) and high blood pressure (38).

Abnormal conditions arising during pre-natal period contributed to 36 deaths, 26 died in road accidents and 25 others died due to congenital malformation and abnormal chromosome levels. Other illnesses contributed to some 230 deaths. Out of 1,010 deaths, 555 were men and 455 were women.

As the top five causes of deaths could be reduced by physical exercise, the Ministry of Health will organise various activities during the National Health Promotion Convention.

Though there is currently no baseline study to indicate the level of physical activity in Brunei, studies showed that obesity, cholesterol, blood pressure and sugar levels in both children and adults indicate a significant percentage that the population is

inactive.

Bryan Keasberry, Health Education Officer cum the Secretariat to the Physical Activity Programme of the National Health Promotion Convention 2004, said among the activities that will be held include Shahbandar marathon on July 25, walkathon on July 11, netball competition on July 25 and mountain bike and marathon races during the Great Brunei Challenge scheduled to be held on August 1.

The Great Brunei Challenge is divided into two stages. The mountain bike race that will start at Perpindahan Mata-Mata leading to the McFarm in Kg. Tungku and the marathon race at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.

The winner will walk away with $2,000 prize money for the first stage and $1,000 for marathon race. The deadline to submit application forms is July 19.

The netball competition will be divided into two categories: above 40 years old and below 39 years old. Entries will close on July 19.

The walkathon will begin at the Taman Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien. Male participants will walk for seven km while women will cover five km.

Entry forms for all competitions are available at the 6th floor of the Youth and Sports Department and its branches in other districts.

Health benefits of physical activity include improving the quality of life, aiding in the maintenance and loss of body weight, control and prevention of diabetes, lowering blood pressure, increased HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) and lowering of triglycerides, lowering risk factors for thrombosis, reducing the risk of colon cancer and reducing osteoporosis.

While randomised controlled trials are not currently available, physical activity has been clearly identified as reducing the risk of all causes of mortality in longitudinal studies.

This is particularly so in reducing the incidence of cardiovascular disease.

Bryan Keasberry said to maintain our health, we ought to do physical exercise like walking for 30 minutes, five to six times a week.

He added those who do exercise have more self-confidence, feel less stressful, are more energetic, sleep well and socialise more.

However, he said those aged above 45 and those suffering from heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure should seek prior consultation with their doctors to ensure that their level of activity is appropriate to their, age and health. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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