by KT Leong
The National Stroke Association of Malaysia (NASAM) Perak Centre, organised a Charity Fun Walk/Run with the title of NASAM STEP FORWARD FOR STROKE 2024 in conjunction of Ipoh Low Carbon Day and Malaysia National Day on August 25 at Tapak Ipoh Low Carbon Day @ Dataran Ipoh, Jalan Sultan Abdul Jalil, Greentown, 31350 Ipoh, Perak.
About 3,500 people joined this August Ipoh Low Carbon Day.
The Malaysia National Day Parade during Ipoh Low Carbon Day was done by 300 Children from Persatuan TASKA Perak (PTP) while accompanied by their family and teachers. About 20 institutions of PTP joined this Malaysia National Day Parade with the theme of “MALAYSIA MADANI JIWA MERDEKA”.
More than 200 participants joined this Charity Fun Walk.
There were two categories for this Fun Walk/Run, which were the Champion category for Stroke Survivors and caregiver for 1 kilometre and the Public category which opened for everyone at 3 kilometres. For the Champion category, 54 participants were registered and joined this walk. 152 participants were registered for the Public category.
It was also attended by NASAM General Manager, Mdm. Monica Geraldine Gayondato and the NASAM Head of Rehabilitation, Mr. Kathiravan Tangaraju. As well as from NASAM Perak, Physiotherapist, Mr. Prasantha Rao A/L Prakasa Rao, Administrative Assistant Mdm. Hoo Foong Chee and Physiotherapist Assistant Ms. Pakyasree.
The Mayor of Ipoh, Y. Bhg. Dato’ Rumaizi Bin Baharin @ Md Daud was there to make the launch for Malaysia National Day Parade Walk & NASAM Step Forward for Stroke 2024.
Mr.Prasantha Rao (Physiotherapist In-Charge of NASAM PERAK & President for Charity Fun Walk – NASAM STEP FORWARD FOR STROKE 2024) mentioned that this event was to create awareness about stroke and raise funds to support the incredible stroke survivors. The walk to encourage everyone including the Stroke Champions to improve and strengthen their mental and physical health through this walk/run.
The event also aimed to promote a healthy lifestyle and showcase the invaluable services provided by NASAM to the stroke community with the slogan of “There is Life After Stroke!”.
“Prevention is better than cure. Nearly 250 participants participated and the scene was grand and inspiring. Some Stroke patients sat in wheelchairs and moved forward accompanied by their caregivers or family members while some who were in better physical condition joined to complete the walk. NASAM Perak also supports and encourages other teams of NASAM (Stroke survivors and caregivers) from NASAM KUANTAN and NASAM JOHOR. NASAM’s spirit is one of unity and never giving up attitude.
Mr. Kathiravan Tangaraju (Head of Rehabilitation – NASAM) also truly believes that “There is a Life After Stroke!”. NASAM’s mission is to inform the public that there is Life After Stroke through proper rehabilitation and to promote stroke prevention.
NASAM’s objectives are to create awareness that stroke can be reduced or prevented. Early rehabilitation reduces long-term dependency and there is life after stroke. NASAM Centres have been established nationwide with centres in Petaling Jaya, Ampang, Penang, Perak, Kuantan, Johor and Sabah.
Spot a Stroke by learning the warning signs and B.E.F.A.S.T.
B = BALANCE (Loss of balance, dizziness)
E = EYES ( Vision loss in either eye)
F = FACE (Drooping on 1 side of the face)
A = ARMS ( Arms or legs weakness or numbness)
S = SPEECH (Slurred speech or speech difficulty)
T = TIME (Time to call 999 immediately!!)
