ABOUT 300 people of various ages and backgrounds participated in the World Brain Day Fun Walk 2024 organised by LohGuanLye Specialists Centre (LSC) at Jalan Macalister today.
The participants, including 30 outpatients receiving follow-up treatments for neurological conditions, completed the 2.5km route in George Town in about 30 minutes.
Dr Mary Quah, the chief executive officer of LSC, said the objective of the fun walk was to promote brain health and prevention awareness, aligning with this year’s World Brain Day theme.
She expressed thanks to all participants for walking up early to make the event a success. This marks the first time the hospital has organised such a walk.
“With our ageing population, brain health is a key issue we must tackle. At the same time, we must promote a healthy lifestyle to ensure we take as much care as possible to maintain our health as we age,” Dr Mary said.
State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi commended LGL Specialists Centre for celebrating this significant event a day earlier, even though the World Federation of Neurology (WFN) has designated July 22 as World Brain Day (WBD) since 2014.
“It is important for us to spread health-related awareness. We must be active not only in terms of our lifestyle but also be aware of any illnesses affecting ourselves and our family members.
“We are all here to support a good cause. Remember, taking a few minutes off our busy schedule is crucial for our mental health.
“We want to encourage more Penangites to maintain a healthier and more active lifestyle. Most importantly, take good care of yourself and your loved ones. Thank you to all participants and the organisers, LohGuanLye Specialists Centre,” Gooi said in his brief speech.
Also present at the fun walk ceremony were the hospital’s executive director Mr Nicholas Loh Shin Wye, chief operating officer Tan Li Hwa, neurologist Dr Tan Kenny, neurosurgeon Dr Kazem Djavadkhani, orthopaedic surgeon Dr Soon Chee Khian, rheumatologist Dr Lim Chong Hong, plastic surgeon Dr Wong Thai Er, and business development manager Alice Lee.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), over one in three people are affected by neurological conditions, the leading cause of illness and disability worldwide.
Neurological disorders include stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage), meningitis, brain injury and epilepsy.
In addition to advocating for brain health awareness, WFN promotes preventive measures against brain disorders worldwide annually.
LSC has previously organised various in-house activities such as health talks, sitting Zumba, health screenings, and educational exhibitions in support of the WFN initiative to raise awareness about brain health.
After the fun walk, participants engaged in aerobic exercise while some visitors took advantage of the free health screening conducted by LSC at its premises.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Siew Chia En
