Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) hosts World Hypertension Day Virtual Run with Herbalife Nutrition

KUALA LUMPUR, 28 JUNE 2021 – Herbalife Nutrition, a premier global nutrition company, recently lent support to a World Hypertension Day Virtual Run hosted by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). In conjunction with the World Hypertension Day last month, the Virtual Run aimed to raise awareness on hypertension and encourage Malaysians to lead a healthy, active lifestyle.

According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) conducted by the Ministry of Health (MOH) in 2019, hypertension is one of three major risk factors leading to cardiovascular diseases in Malaysia, along with diabetes mellitus and high cholesterol.[1] Hence, it was key to spread awareness and work towards tackling these issues and taking responsibilities for one’s health.

“In conjunction with World Hypertension Day, we wanted to highlight the ongoing hypertension issue in Malaysia. In order to improve in this aspect, multi sector collaboration is needed to raise awareness and work towards the same goal of improving people’s quality of life by tackling this issue. Therefore, we are grateful that Herbalife Nutrition went on this journey with us and helped us to bring more attention to hypertension,” said Prof. Dr. (PhD) Suzana Shahar, Dean of Faculty of Health Sciences, UKM.

Due to the series of Movement Control Orders (MCOs) implemented throughout the year, Malaysians have been looking for new, fun ways to stay active and healthy from the confines of their homes. “Staying at home all day can easily result in sedentary behaviour and being physically inactive. Hence, we are delighted to join UKM to promote this virtual run event in order to help Malaysians stay on track on their respective health journeys. It aligns with our purpose to help people live a healthy, active lifestyle, supported by good nutrition,” said Steven Chin, Senior Director/General Manager, Herbalife Nutrition Malaysia and Singapore.

Over 203 participants took part in the World Hypertension Day Virtual Run, which ran from 17 May 2021 until 5 June 2021. Participants tracked their steps and distance for the virtual run by using either a pedometer, a smartwatch or step counter apps on their phones. The virtual run was divided into two categories – individual (10km) and team (100km) and participants were allowed to run from anywhere, at any time and submit their results when they have reached the allocated distance.

“As group sports activities have been limited due to the various stages of MCOs, the Faculty of Health Sciences from UKM aimed to encourage the community to adopt a healthy lifestyle and create a spirit of sportsmanship and competitiveness even by running at home with this Virtual Run. On top of that, we also wanted to celebrate community achievements in maintaining heart health,” said Nur Afeeqah, one of the student organizers of the Virtual Run from Faculty of Health Sciences, UKM.

Exciting social media contests in conjunction with the virtual run

Additionally, UKM organised two exciting social media contests with Herbalife Nutrition which were the Meal Showdown contest and the Flaunt Your De-Stress contest. Participants of these contests posted pictures and videos related to the theme of the contests along with hashtags for the event #WHDVirtualRun #TogetherWeAvoidHypertension #KnowYourNumbers. The winners were selected based on their themes, interpretation and creativity.

[1] National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019, Ministry of Health