Walking For A Healthy Heart
By Lyna Mohammad

Bandar Seri Begawan - Deputy Minister of Health, Pehin Dato Paduka Awg Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah; joined hundreds' from the community in a walkathon commemorating World Health Heart Day yesterday.

Prior to the walkathon, the Deputy Minister, who was also- chief guest for the event, cut the ribbon to release balloons. carrying the World Health Heart Day banner. He then joined the warm-up session before leading the walkathon.

Yesterday's event was jointly organised by the Ministry of Health and Gleneagles Jerudong Park Medical Centre Sdn Bhd. Several activities were also held at Jerudong Park & Country Club including an aerobics display, colouring competition, bouncers for children, outdoor exhibition and a lucky draw.

Earlier this month, the Minister of Health, Pehin Dato Paduka Awg Hj Suyoi Hj Osman, officially launched the Healthy Heart Month at GJPMC.

Since the launch, both the Ministry of Health and GJPMC have carried out a line-up of activities such as a poster exhibition roadshow at all four government hospitals throughout the nation, public health talks and health screening for the public at various locations.

The activities target the whole community and aim to increase awareness in the public on the risk factors for heart disease, promote early detection of the risks and improve cardiac health of the public.

The public education also aims to promote healthy behaviours and encourage behaviour modifications essential for cardiac health.

This year's World Health Heart Day, which falls on September 25 annually, carries the theme "Healthy Weight, Healthy Shape".

The theme was chosen to highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy weight in order to maintain the health of one's heart and cardiovascular system, thus preventing heart disease.

Heart or cardiovascular disease is one of the top three leading causes of death in the country over the last 10 years with 30 per cent of deaths annually caused by cardiovascular diseases, causing a significant level of morbidity.

In addressing the problem, a multi-pronged approach offering appropriate intervention at-all levels initiating from prevention programmes right through rehabilitation programmes have been implemented by the Health Ministry.

Apart from this, the Minister of Health called on additional and planned programmes as well as long-term joint ventures through various forms of public-private partnership including investments by private organisations in health programmes, services and infrastructure.

Other examples of successful collaborations with the private_ sector in implementing health related projects include HIV/AIDS, publication of Healthy Brunei Sihat Newsletter, previous World Health Days and other commemorative health events.

Successful collaboration projects saw the participation of the Chambers of Commerce and private companies as well as donations of medical equipment, appliances and machines from banking institutions and companies for consumption of patients in their facilities.

The ministry strongly believes that sharing the burden of health care with its stakeholders particularly health care providers from the private sector would bring about significant benefits to all concerned. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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