Media Release: The 8th Kordel's Charity Fun Walk Builds Momentum with Impending National Public Health Burden as Ageing Population Increases 16% by 2050

Kuala Lumpur, 31 July 2016: The 8th Kordel's Charity Fun Walk builds momentum as impending national public health burden looms with the ageing population (aged 65 and older), according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), increasing by 16% worldwide by 2050 from 524 million in 2010. Kordel's Charity F tin Walk is organised to promote physical activity to encourage the public to manage modifiable risk factors, to raise awareness on osteoarthritis (OA), and to support needy patients with the Arthritis Foundation Malaysia. This year, the walk recorded its highest number of participants ever, as the walk gains increasing public support for its cause.



"Age is the most powerful predictor of OA with the prevalence of OA rising steeply with advancing age at all joint sites. The estimated prevalence of symptomatic knee OA in populations above the age of 65 is 30%. Women are twice as likely to suffer from knee OA as men. The A Community Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Diseases (COPCORD) study in Malaysia showed that 9.3% of adult Malaysians complained of knee pain with a sharp increase in pain rate to 23% in those over 55 years of age and 39% in those over 65 years," said Ho Swee Lin, General Manager of Cambert (M) Sdn Bhd.



"OA can be defined as joint failure, and those who are older and overweight are more prone to knee OA," notes Ho. "As such, it is important for everyone to be physically active, to reduce the risk of this disease. Even for those with the condition, walking can ease the stiffness, and will benefit overall health."



Ho adds, "While there are treatments for OA, prevention is always the best. Kordel's is at the forefront of introducing several promising agents that may help to retard the progression of OA, in particularly knee OA and may slow down the progression of cartilage degradation. In combination with healthy eating and staying physically active, both non-modifiable (ageing, gender, genetics) and modifiable (weight, lifestyle) risk factors can be mitigated."



"Keeping joints such as knees, hips and elbows healthy is important to allow you to run, walk, jump, play sports and do the things you like to do. Among the most important things you can do to keep your joints healthy is by being physically active, to strengthen the muscles around the joints," Ho advised. "As such, we hope to raise awareness on the importance of regular exercise and to cultivate the habit of living a physically active lifestyle through our annual Kordel's Charity Fun Walk, which encourages the whole family to participate and exercise together."



"OA is one of the most common causes of limb joint and spine arthritis with a prevalence of around the region of 10-20% of the adult population. In Malaysia, the most common form of OA is knee OA. Knee OA has an estimated prevalence of 30% in those above the age of 65," shares AFM President Dr Sargunan Sockalingam.



"The condition is costing Malaysia millions, not only due to the cost of treatment, but also through loss of productivity in the workforce and cost of disability. This is a national public health burden and we are very grateful for Kordel's continuous effort in supporting this cause. AFM affirms our commitment to help needy patients with joint replacements treatments, to help improve mobility and quality of life."



Targeted at the whole family, the 7km walk began at 6.00am at Padang Merbok, Kuala Lumpur. After the walk, participants enjoyed light and healthy breakfast offered at several stalls and food trucks; and enjoyed activities such as lucky draws, photo booth, and health check-ups.