Family and friends walking in solidarity with joint replacement patients at the walkathon.
A WALKATHON to raise awareness of bone and joint health celebrated how joint replacement patients can lead normal lives post-surgery.
Organised by Orthopaedic Specialist Centre (OSC), the second Annual OSC Walkathon took place at Parc Hub in Taman Subang Jaya, Selangor.
Flagging off the event was Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and Arthritis Foundation Malaysia (AFM) president Dr Benjamin Cheah alongside the OSC management team.
This year, the walkathon was open to non-OSC patients to create a more inclusive event, and a total of 280 participants joined in.
Loved ones were seen walking in solidarity with joint replacement patients in the event which featured 3km and 1km routes.
There were also educational talks on bone and joint health as well as family-friendly activities like basketball and mini indoor golf.
In her speech, Yeoh said the walkathon underscored the role of healthcare providers in addressing public health challenges.
“As we strive for a healthier Malaysia, it is vital to prioritise overall health.
“Apart from adopting a healthy lifestyle, we want to encourage seniors to actively engage in sports.
“The ministry has launched a sports programme for senior citizens which aims to raise awareness among family members and caregivers, and to encourage them to support seniors in maintaining an active lifestyle.
“The elderly are an important part of society, with equal rights to enjoy and participate in sports and recreational activities.
“With Malaysia predicted to become an ageing nation by 2030, it is important that we support the elderly to ensure they remain active and healthy,” Yeoh added.
OSC co-founder and orthopaedic surgeon Dr Lee Chong Meng said it was important to raise awareness about bone and joint health as the country’s population aged.
“We support patients who have undergone joint replacement surgeries.
“We help them understand that they can lead active lives post-surgery.
“By fostering understanding, we hope to empower individuals to prioritise their joint health and seek treatments without hesitation,” said Dr Lee.
He added that there was no greater satisfaction than seeing patients walking independently, as opposed to being confined to wheelchairs prior to surgery.
Dr Cheah said fundraisers like the walkathon could aid non-governmental organisations such as AFM by offering financial assistance to those struggling to afford arthritis treatment.
“AFM is dedicated to assisting patients with a wide range of joint disorders and treatments, tailored to the type and stage of the disease,” he added.
Among knee replacement patients at the walkathon was Annie Hay.
“Thanks to my implants, I am able to live normally and independently,” said Hay who underwent surgery for both knees more than two decades ago.
An AFM member since 2004, she has supported advocacy and awareness efforts to improve the lives of arthritis patients.
Hay stressed the importance of seeking an early diagnosis and intervention from the right medical professionals.
“Having rheumatoid arthritis has not stopped me from living a full life,” she added.
Retired doctor Dr Gan Eng Meng tolerated osteoarthritis pain for 20 years before opting for a bilateral total knee replacement.
One year post-surgery, Dr Gan effortlessly finished the walkathon, and said, “My fear of pain inhibited me from undergoing this life-changing surgery much earlier.
“Thanks to advances in technology, joint replacements are longer-lasting and feel more like natural joints.
“And, due to better pain management, recovery wasn’t as terrifying as I thought.”
The walkathon raised RM5,000, which was channelled to AFM.
