Compiled by LILI LAJMAN
AMWAY has come to the aid of 3,000 malnourished children in Mexico and Zambia since 2009 through its Nutrilite Power Of Five campaign which contributes a nutrient-dense powder called Nutrilite Little Bits to be added to their diet.
The powder comes in the form of one-gram sachets containing 15 vitamins and minerals, including phytonutrients (plant-based nutrients).
President of Nutrilite Health Institute Dr Sam Rehnborg said the campaign would be expanded to cover 13 more countries by 2016. The World Health Organisation (WHO) found that about seven million children under the age of 5 die each year from preventable causes and that childhood malnutrition was a major factor, accounting for 45 per cent of these deaths.
“WHO also determined that even among those who survived, the effects of early malnutrition are lasting as young brains and bodies do not develop properly. This is where Little Bits plays a vital role in combating early childhood malnutrition from age 6 months to 5 years,” he said.
Little Bits, which is not sold anywhere in the world, provided the required daily nutrients when mixed with food, ensuring that malnourished children get what they need to survive and reach their potential.
SIGN UP FOR FIRST CROSS-BORDER DUATHLON
MALAYSIA’S first cross-border duathlon, the Perlis International Duathlon The Hybrid Challenge, takes place on Dec 6-7, 2014. It starts with 6km of running, 30km of cycling and ends with 4km of running from Perlis to Thailand and back to Perlis. It will start and finish in Gua Kelam. Register for the duathlon at http://opugosports.com/
WASH YOUR HANDS
FOR the third consecutive year, Lifebuoy Malaysia celebrates Global Handwashing Day with its pledge of 21/5 (21 days, 5 times a day) of handwashing with liquid handwash - an initiative supported by the Ministries of Health and Education.
Global Handwashing Day, an annual affair on Oct 15, is aimed at increasing awareness that washing hands with liquid handwash is the most effective way to curb the spread of germs and bacteria.
Lifebuoy Malaysia will carry out its pledge in 10 schools, involving more than 10,000 primary school students. As part of the programme, the students will receive day cards to help them keep track of their handwashing habits. After 21 days, the school with the highest record of handwashing practice will receive a month’s supply of Lifebuoy products.
PINK DAY OUT
IN honour of World Breast Cancer Awareness month, Softlan launched its annual awareness campaign to help educate consumers and their families about breast cancer prevention.
This year’s campaign, We Stand by You, focuses on supporting breast cancer patients and survivors as well as family members who often serve as a source of strength.
Softlan is working with the Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA), National Cancer Council (Makna) and the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) to help raise awareness and has made a commitment to raise a minimum of RM100,000 for the cause.
With every purchase of Softlan fabric softener, 10 sen will be donated to the brand’s charity partners.
HELPING CHILDREN THROUGH EDUCATION
HORLICKS recently launched the Horlicks School Journey Initiative to help address children’s lack of access to education.
It is working with the Malaysian Association for Social Workers, a non-governmental organisation, to tackle the daily struggles that some children face to go to school.
The initiative kicks off with a pilot programme in the remote settlement of Kampung Chuweh, which has a population of 90 Orang Asli, including 30 children. None of the children have formal education.
To get to the nearest school, the children have to take a 35-minute boat ride, followed by a 15-minute car journey. This daily journey has proved to be too daunting for the children, so they don’t attend school at all.
Under the initiative, teachers will travel to the Orang Asli community instead, to teach the children basic lessons. In addition, the initiative will fund a dedicated school boat to take the children to the nearest school, SKRPS Banun.
STEPPING UP FIGHT AGAINST DIABETES
RECENTLY, dozens of people headed for Lembah Kiara in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, all set to get fit in the fight against diabetes. They took part in activities including an exercise regime, telematch, health talk and health quizzes on diabetes.
The event, Race To Goal, was jointly organised by healthcare provider MSD and Diabetes Malaysia (DM), formerly known as Persatuan Diabetes Malaysia. It is part of the Living Well With Diabetes campaign which emphasises the need for increased diabetes awareness, education and prevention.
Held in conjunction with World Diabetes Day on Nov 14, 2014, Race To Goal was not about racing to win, but about encouraging diabetics to stay on track and achieve their blood sugar goal.
It was also aimed at raising awareness of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and the management of the disease through a series of fun, healthy and educational outdoor activities.