KUALA LUMPUR, 20 June 2008 - UCSI organised and commenced their 7th annual public health campaign at a sponsored venue, Sunway Pyramid from 20 – 22 June 2008. It was an initiative by UCSI’s Faculty of Medical Sciences through collaboration with the School of Medicine, School of Pharmacy and the School of Nursing. The opening ceremony was officiated by UCSI Chancellor, Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Abdul Rahman Arshad. Deputy Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Professor Chin Peng Kit, Mr. H.C. Chan, Senior General Manager of Sunway Pyramid Sdn. Bhd and Associate Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, Professor Dr. Yeong Siew Wei was also present at the opening ceremony.

UCSI’s 7th annual Public Health Campaign drew its biggest crowd of almost 400 people who took the screening tests on the first day itself. A huge turnover of more than 2000 visitors thronged in, surpassing that of previous years, with over 1700 visitors registering for health screening in this year’s campaign. The staff and students’ concerted efforts in making it a success was evident in the numbers. A large crowd was seen queuing up less than half an hour after the opening ceremony.

The free health screening tests which comprised the Body Mass Index, Body Fat Screening, Blood Glucose Test, Cholesterol Test and Blood Pressure Test, were conducted by thirty students. At the end of the screening process, counselling sessions were conducted by lecturers who were also qualified doctors. They were there to give advice and guidance based on the results of the health screening tests.

An informative exhibition on the causes and effects of certain diseases due to unhealthy lifestyles was also set up for the general public. Demonstrations on breast self-examination for cancer detection were conducted by nursing students by using a dummy model. Women were taught on how to detect lumps during a crucial time of their menstruation cycle.

A colouring competition was also organized for children to keep them occupied while parents were undergoing the various tests. Colour pencils and balloons were given to delighted children and the exhibition of cancerous lungs and breasts were also an eye opener for them.

Studies show that thirty percent of Malaysian adults above the age of 30 suffer from high blood pressure. Coupled with the rise in obesity among Asians, there is a greater need for awareness towards maintaining a healthier body. In line with this year’s health campaign objectives, UCSI’s health campaign supports the objective of raising public awareness towards a healthier lifestyle by early detection and intervention measures.

It is also good training grounds for the Medical Sciences students to put into practice what they have learnt. Aside from being able to practice the technical aspects of health screenings, students are also able to interact with patients, and acquire soft skills in the process. This in turn promotes confidence and leadership skills in them, necessary in today’s real world working environment.