Brunei's Local News - Brudirect.com

Bandar Seri Begawan - "It is a role that we, as educators and role models for the younger generations, relish as part of our responsibility to educate.

The task of creating awareness and understanding of our personal risks of heart diseases and promoting preventive measures is no longer the responsibility of health workers only but rather it is a concerted effort by all members of society. Education undoubtedly will play a significant role.

"The incorporation of health matters into mainstream learning and practices is a significant development in the field of education. Health matters are no longer to be confined merely within the academic realm, but rather to create that general awareness amongst all, of the importance of improving and maintaining their health."

These remarks were made by Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dab Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Date Setia Haji Mohammad Taib, Minister of Education, during his speech as the guest of honor to launch-the Ministry of Education's Healthy Heart Day themed 'know your risk' organized by University Brunei Darussalam (UBD) at the Chancellor Hall, UBD yesterday.

"To be educated should not be only reflected in the manner of our socio-cultural status or our economic standing but also it should be seen as well in the adoption of a healthy lifestyle," he said.

The minister said, "The launching the Ministry of Education Healthy Heart Day here, at UBD, the seat of our country's highest institute of learning is evidence of our commitment towards this cause. I urge all members of the education fraternity to take upon themselves this great challenge and to demonstrate once again the leadership teachers everywhere have always shown in enlightening their nation that they serve".

In his opening note, Dr Haji Zulkarnain bin Haji Hanafi, the UBD vice-chancellor said that this year's World Heart Day theme 'Know Your Risk' is the global effort against heart diseases focusing on public education of their risks of heart diseases (the world's biggest killer).

Dr Haji Zulkamain emphasized the importance of the workplace as a rallying point in creating the awareness and understanding of our personal heart disease risks and promoting the preventive measures.

He noted that the workplace has the significant influence on our health or often the setting for the adoption of unhealthy lifestyle.

The event also saw a health talk on "Living in a Healthy Way" presented by Dr Zaw Wint from the Institute of Medicine, UBD which was followed by a nutrition talk on "Diet and Calories" presented by Dyg Siti Rohaiza binti Haji Ahmad from the Institute of Medicine, UBD.

The guest of honor visited the booths during the event, which included health screening, health exhibition, blood donation as well as performance of various exercise regimes by the students of the Institute of Medicine. The minister also took the opportunity to have a health check during the event. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin