JOHOR BARU: THE KPJ Johor Specialist Hospital organised a medical camp offering free health screening in conjunction with World Diabetes Day in Kampung Sungai Tiram, Ulu Tiram, here, recently.
Some 300 residents attended the eight-hour programme at the village’s multipurpose hall Dewan Raya Sungai Tiram.
Some 40 volunteers from the hospital, consisting management staff, nurses, pharmacists, doctors and medical experts were involved in the programme.
They checked the villagers’ body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, blood glucose, and conducted eye examinations.
There were also health and nutrition counselling sessions, health talks, an aerobic session to promote healthy living and a demonstration on how to wash hands properly to eliminate germs.
A highlight of the event was the sandwich making competition where residents made healthy sandwiches with vegetables and herbs. There was also a colouring contest for children.
KPJ Johor Specialist Hospital physician Datuk Dr M. Singaraveloo gave a talk about diabetes and how it could be prevented by eating properly and exercising regularly.
“Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period.
“This high blood sugar produces the symptoms of frequent urination, increased thirst and increased hunger. It is a chronic disease that lasts a lifetime.
“So far, there is no cure, but the disease can be controlled by maintaining a healthy diet and weight, frequent exercise and proper medication,” he said.
Singaraveloo also explained how diabetes could cause other health problems, and in a worst case scenario cause limbs to be amputated.
KPJ Johor Specialist Hospital executive director cum chief executive officer Norita Ahmad said the health screening was the hospital’s way of fulfilling its corporate social responsibility in the community.
“We chose Kampung Sungai Tiram as we have never conducted such a programme here.
“Besides creating health awareness, we also want to contribute by improving their lifestyle.
“Diabetes can affect our blood vessels and nerves and therefore can affect any part of the body. It is important for them to understand what they can do to prevent it,” she said.
Norita also handed cash donations to 21 disabled villagers.
Kampung Sungai Tiram village chairman Mohd Shahari Mohd Sham said the programme was timely and educational.
“While many of us take our health for granted, today, we realise the importance of a healthy lifestyle, without having to make drastic changes. We just need to reduce our sugar intake, make healthy food choices and exercise more,” he said.
Shahari said many villagers feared going to hospital.
“However, seeing specialists, nurses and doctors interacting with us here, has changed that perception for many.
“We realise they are just people who have better knowledge and are sincerely wanting us to have a healthier lifestyle so we can have richer life,” he said.
Besides conducting medical programmes, the hospital has organised blood donation campaigns, circumcision ceremonies for orphans and helped those in need of financial aid through its consultant charity funds.
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