KUALA LUMPUR: Nestle Omega Plus and the Malaysian Heart Foundation (YJN) are working hard to raise awareness and encourage the public — young and old, about the importance of having a healthy heart.
“Cardiovascular disease is often associated with the elderly, but we want to raise awareness among the younger generation about good heart health,” said Nestle Omega Plus Brand Manager Tania Lee.
In conjunction with World Heart Day on Sept 29, Nestle Omega Plus and YJN are organising the 13th Walk-A-Mile at Astana, Taman Tasik Titiwangsa.
“We are expecting more than 2,000 people to take part in the walk.”
Lee said the response to the walk has been encouraging over the years with more participants joining in since its inception in 2001. “We will have games, infotainment booths, health screenings and more, to make it a holistic family affair.”
Earlier, Lee, Nestle nutritionist Lim Chain Yin and the Nestle Omega Plus team conducted health screenings at Balai Berita.
“Nowadays, adults in their 20s are developing heart disease because of a lack of exercise, an unhealthy diet and genetics,” said Lim, adding that 1 in 3 Malaysians suffered from high cholesterol.
Lim said a combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise could help prevent heart disease.
“Nestle Omega Plus is the first and only milk in Malaysia that contains Acticol, which is derived from soy extract.”
Lim said that Acticol would act to block low-density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol, which is classified as bad cholesterol, from being absorbed into the bloodstream.
“Nestle Omega Plus is high in calcium, Omega 3 and 6, which are good for heart health.”
Lim recommended eating foods containing whole grains and reducing oily food.
“It is important to stay physically active, even something as simple as taking the stairs instead of the lift or taking slow walks. Start with small steps, it goes a long way.” By Robin Augustin