HKL staff in high spirits with the Brain Race mascot at the launch. — KAMARUL ARIFFIN/The Star
A Brain Race has been launched by Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) to help raise awareness of stroke prevention among the community.
Scheduled to take place on Sept 29 at DBKL Square in the capital city, the 5km fun run is also aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Dr Azmi: The number of stroke cases is rising.The Health Ministry’s perioperative mortality review shows that haemorrhagic stroke is the second leading cause of death in the country since 2019.
One out of six Malaysians are at risk of developing a stroke and research has shown that 40% of stroke patients were under the age of 60.
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds.
HKL director Datuk Harikrishna K. Ragavan Nair highlighted the importance of combating haemorrhagic stroke.
“The patient has to be aware of what is going on with their body.
“They also need to have the desire to improve their lifestyle and health,” he said.
There are four key contributing factors to stroke – smoking or any tobacco intake, unhealthy eating habits, alcohol intake and lack of physical activity.
“We try to empower the patients and it starts with their ability to exercise self-control,” he added.
HKL Tunku Abdul Rahman Neuroscience Institute senior consultant neurosurgeon Dr Azmi Alias shared some facts on stroke.
“The number of stroke cases is on the rise and we need to stop it.
“Haemorrhagic stroke is a killer. When the blood vessel in your brain suddenly ruptures and bleeds, the pressure in the brain increases.
“Most won’t have sufficient time to reach the hospital, as 30% of patients die before getting help,” he said.
Registration fee for the run is RM60 and participants will receive a T-shirt.
Medals will be awarded to those who complete the run.
Those below 17 years of age must get their parent’s permission to participate.
Other than the race, there will be a Zumba session, performances, health screenings and a question-and-answer session with experts.
Registration closes on Sept 1. For more information, visit brainrace.com.my
