Move for better bone, joint health

Dr Charanjeet (third from right) at the launch of Movement Matters by IHH Healthcare at Lalaport, Kuala Lumpur. — ART CHEN/The Star

A HEALTHCARE group has launched a campaign to promote better bone and joint health.

The nationwide #MovementMatters campaign launched at Lalaport, Kuala Lumpur, is a joint effort by IHH Healthcare and its network of four Gleneagles hospitals, 11 Pantai hospitals and Prince Court Medical Centre.

The campaign is being held until March 26 at Toppen Shopping Centre in Johor Baru, Johor, and Gurney Plaza mall in George Town, Penang, from March 29 until April 1.

Visitors can participate in the “Movement Matters” campaign from 10am to 10pm and learn more about bone and joint health through various activities.

Dr Charanjeet Singh, who specialises in orthopaedic and trauma surgery at Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur, said oral supplements are not as effective as movement for joint health.

“An injection to promote lubrication is better able to target the problem,” he said, adding that the effect could last up to six months, depending on how damaged the joints were.

Dr Charanjeet stated that joint problems were best prevented by strength exercises that targeted the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes and the back.

“If your knee, hip and shoulder are supported, you will not have any joint damage.

“Your joints will be more protected if your muscles are strong.

“For instance, if you have joint pain in the knees, the activities that you shouldn’t do are running, jumping and dancing vigorously.

“You can do exercises like yoga, rowing and pilates instead,” he added.

Visitors at the campaign venues can take the stationary interactive bicycle challenge to test their endurance.

They can also check their body posture, body mass index (BMI) and in-body composition.

Licensed dieticians will be on hand to explain their BMI results.

Influencer and personal trainer Nur Fatin Atheerah Hamdan said that the in-body composition assessment was a great way to understand one’s body.

“The results can help people control their diet and strive to be more productive,” said the 29-year-old.

At the end of the assessments, visitors can receive mystery giveaways by taking a picture at the photo booths and posting it on Instagram.