By Organising Team | Malaysia |
The one-day event, “Sehat Saath-Saath: Preventing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Together!” is part of a community outreach project by students of B.Sc. (Hons) Nutrition with Wellness from UCSI University and has ended with resounding success.
Aimed at raising awareness about diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia within the Punjabi community and equipping them with preventive skills, the event featured a multitude of activities held throughout the day from 10 am to 6 pm on March 28, 2024, at Gurdwara Sahib Subang.
The organising team
The free health screening attracted over 65 participants who managed to grab a chance to assess their current health status. Nutrition undergraduates from UCSI University worked alongside a team from a private clinic to conduct comprehensive health assessments.
An onsite dietitian provided consultations to participants who wish to obtain information on ways they can improve their current lifestyles.
Many have expressed gratitude upon learning about their health conditions during the screening and anticipated periodic screenings to monitor their health status. Additionally, the exhibition booths and mini-game stations focusing on diabetes, hypertension, high blood cholesterol, and ways to reduce salt, sugar, and oil intake received good feedback, with as many as 83% of the participants reporting that they have learned something new while 90% shared that they had an excellent experience.
Health screening, exhibition and sponsor booth
The Bhangra-Fit session, held from 3 to 4 pm in collaboration with Malaysian Punjabi Bhangra, has rebranded the energetic traditional folk dance as an aerobic exercise, attracting over 30 participants of various age groups.
Guided by instructor Simranjit Singh, participants enjoyed the session, with 88% of them expressing their satisfaction and suggesting its incorporation into regular routines. The educational session led by the students received positive feedback, with more than two-thirds of participants indicating that they have learned a lot about the benefits of regular exercise and important considerations before, during, and after workouts.
A cooking demonstration was conducted from 4 to 6 pm in which the students presented the Chole Chaat and Penjiri, both of which were dishes that were dear to the heart of the Punjabi community; narrated by their advisor, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Satvinder Kaur in the community’s own native language.
The session turned out to be a big hit, attracting a continuous inflow of visitors and viewers that eventually filled up the Langgar Hall with approximately 60 – 70 participants.
Questionnaires administered during the demonstration showed promising scores, reflecting the participants’ unwavering attention to the cooking process. The dishes prepared were thoroughly enjoyed, with many even requested for takeaways should there be any leftover prepared during the workshop.
Cooking demonstration
The audience’s feedback suggested an overwhelming interest in being notified of similar future events. With health promotion being a long-term goal within the community, the event signified the beginning of a journey toward a healthier Punjabi community in Malaysia. The nutrition and active living corner established in the Gurdwara’s Langgar Hall by the event committee signifies as a continuous effort to encourage healthy living. It provides a great start towards fostering a healthier Punjabi community in Malaysia.
Asia Samachar was a media partner of the one-day event.
RELATED STORY:
Sehat Saath-Saath: Panjabis and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). What’s the connection? (Asia Samachar, 19 March 2024)
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