Govt To Hold Healthy Lifestyle Campaign At 14 Locations Nationwide

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 26 (Bernama) -- The Government will hold a month-long 1Malaysia healthy lifestyle campaign nationwide to promote healthy lifestyle and boost awareness among communities, especially Indians. Human Resources Minister Dr S. Subramaniam said the campaign would be held at 14 locations for a target group of 20,000 to strengthen the healthy lifestyle practice in society. He said the campaign was crucial because between 25 and 30 per cent of Indians suffered from 'non-communicable' and lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and high cholesterol levels. "The Indian community records a higher percentage compared to the other races. The campaign will help and advise the Indian community on practising a healthy diet and serious healthcare to avert ugly consequences such as losing a foot, becoming blind or have thrice a week dialysis as a result of diabetes," he said. Dr Subramaniam, who is also chairman of the Special Implementation Taskforce (SITF) on the Indian Committee, said this after opening a 1Malaysia Healthy Lifestyle campaign at a temple here on Sunday. The campaign was organised by SITF, with the cooperation of the Lembah Pantai MIC division, health ministry, National Health Board, Temple of Fine Arts and the Sai Baba Centre. Dr Subramaniam said, of the 25-30 per cent, only half were aware they had diabetes. The rest realised they had the disease when it became serious. "As such, it has a major implication on the level of productivity of the Indian community because many suffering from the disease were aged between 40 and 50. Meanwhile, Federal Territory and Urban Wellbeing Minister Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin said Universiti Malaya's health department was conducting a study to determine the cause and steps to overcome diseases associated with the lifestyles of Malays and Indians. -- BERNAMA