IJN run attracts more than 1000 runners

More than 1,000 people today joined a run organised by the National Heart Institute (IJN) to raise awareness of heart diseases among Malaysians.

IJN deputy chief executive officer Datuk Dr Mohd Azhari Yakub said heart diseases are still the number one killer among Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD).

"Despite many campaigns and initiatives, the number of heart dieseases cases is still high due to the unhealthy lifestyle," he said at the inaugural "IJN Run For Your Heart 2012' at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa here.

He advised Malaysians to change to a healthier lifestyle with proper diet and regular exercise because it could reduce the risk of heart diseases.

Dr Mohd Azhari said IJN would continue to organise the run in the near future to encourage Malaysians to exercise with their families.

Participant Nurul Ain Abdul Rahman, 24, said she joined the run as her hectic daily schedule prevented her from joining such activity. "Although I am a fulltime housewife, I have no time to exercise as I have to take care of young children," she said flanked by husband Mohd Amiruddin Halim.

Meawnhile, Linda Ooi, 40, from Selayang, said she became awarene of the need to care for the heart when friends her age were struck with heart diseases. "I was concerned about health after seeing friends with heart diseases commuting to hospital for treatment which sometimes involves high cost," she added.