A CARNIVAL aimed at putting heart health in the spotlight will offer a mix of screenings and fitness activities in Penang next month.
The Heartchella 2026 – World Heart Day carnival, organised by Northern Heart Hospital Penang, will be held at Gurney Plaza on Sept 19 from 4pm to 9pm, with activities planned for visitors of all ages.
The event will feature health checks to encourage the public to pay greater attention to their cardiovascular health.
There will also be cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) education.
Hospital chief executive officer Kelen Leong said the event’s catchy moniker was inspired by the saying “Heart Check La!”.
“We believe heart health should not only be talked about when someone becomes unwell. It should be part of everyday conversations.
“Through this event, we hope to raise community awareness in a way that is simple, approachable and engaging,” Leong said in a press conference.
Consultant cardiologist and hospital person-in-charge Dr Tan Chiang Soo cautioned that many cardiovascular risk factors could develop silently.
“Do not wait for symptoms before you start thinking about your heart.
“High blood pressure may not give you a warning and high blood glucose may go unnoticed. An abnormal heart rhythm may not always be felt.
“But these are things we can check, and the earlier you know, the faster you can act,” he said.
During the event, visitors can have their blood pressure and blood glucose checked, as well as undergo a finger electrocardiogram (ECG) assessment.
Dr Tan said simple screenings could be an important first step for one to understand their health and risks.
The event will also focus on what to do when a cardiac emergency strikes. Visitors can learn potentially life-saving skills through the Mass CPR and AED learning sessions, with two sessions scheduled at 4.30pm and 4.50pm on the day.
Each session can accommodate up to 100 participants.
“In a cardiac emergency, every minute matters. Knowing how to perform CPR or use an AED can potentially save a life,” Dr Tan added.
Other event highlights include a Heart and Vascular Discovery Hub which will explain the organ in an easy-to-understand format, a Little Hearts playground and Heart of Fortune game booth for families, as well as a do-it-yourself workshop
and photobooth where visitors can take home customised mementos.
Performances include the Mini Groovers Dance Jam at 5.10pm, the Beat Drop Party at 5.40pm, Thunder Drum Beats at 5.55pm and Rhythm Rush Dance at 8pm.
In between those will be the official launch ceremony at 6pm, followed by a high-energy Body Combat Session at 7pm, also welcoming 100 participants.
The hospital’s mascot Jimmy Jantung will also make an appearance. A lucky draw with attractive prizes caps off the programme.
Also present for the press conference were hospital general manager Katrina Felix and marketing communications head Teyressa Lee.
For more about the event or to pre-register, visit https://nhearthospital.com/heartchella-world-heart-day-carnival/
