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Monday September 10, 2012

Thousands walk their way into record book

By KIATISAK CHUA
kiatisak@thestar.com.my


GEORGE TOWN: Thousands of people turned up at the Balik Pulau Sports Complex to be part of the 10,000 People Walking 10,000 Steps Each programme to enter the Malaysia Book of Records.

The event, held in conjunction with National Day celebrations, is aimed at encouraging public participation in healthy activities.

Penang Health Department director Datuk Dr Lailanor Ibrahim, who participated in the walk, said with the advancement of modern technology, lifestyles had changed with stress and pressure causing an increase in non-communicable diseases like heart problems and diabetes.

“These can be avoided with a simple and inexpensive way by practising a healthy lifestyle,” he said when launching the event yesterday.

Baby steps to health: Children starting the ‘10,000 People Walking 10,000 Steps Each’ walk enthusiastically at the flag off point of the programme at the Balik Pulau Sports Complex in Penang. Baby steps to health: Children starting the ‘10,000 People Walking 10,000 Steps Each’ walk enthusiastically at the flag off point of the programme at the Balik Pulau Sports Complex in Penang.

Seen pushing a baby stroller among the participants, were businessman K. Sugramaniam, 35, and his wife Devi Malini, 29, who said the event was a perfect way to spend the morning with his family.

“It is really healthy as we can bring our three-year-old son, S. Rajendran out for some fresh air while my wife and I sweat it out,” Sugramaniam said.

Mohd Latif Ibrahim, 68, is constantly on the lookout for healthy activities to take part in.

“When I heard about the programme, I immediately signed up for it,” said the retiree.

Eighteen-year-old Ooi Liang Ee said she joined because she wanted to be part of history. “It's got a chance to be in the Book of Records.”

Besides the walk, the programme was filled with activities such as a colouring contest for children, exhibitions, lucky draws as well as cooking demonstrations.

There were also free dental check-ups and interactive games for the participants to take part in.

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