17 countries in conference to discuss a healthy lifestyle

KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will host the third World Conference on Exercise Medicine (WCEM) at the Palace of The Golden Horses hotel from Aug 16 to 18. WCEM vice chairman, Prof Dr Lee Chee Pheng, said as of today, a total of 17 countries will be participating in the conference presenting papers on topics of exercise and perinatal care, cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. "The conference will witness exciting workshops by world-renowned academicians, besides having exercise leaders and experts of various disciplines in weightlifting, aerobics, core training and yoga to ensure participants pass on information for an active lifestyle. "More than 35 topics will be presented in a parallel session symposium, with abstracts by students, researchers and healthcare professionals," he told Bernama.

WCEM organising chairman, Datuk Seri Dr Jessy Lai, said this year's WCEM will focus more on instilling exercise as a habit. "From world-renowned sports icons, to scientists and the medical fraternity, we have still not been able to encourage people to exercise and not smoke, and to hold a bottle of water instead of carbonated drink to lead a healthy lifestyle. "It seems impossible and the mortality rate is escalating," she said. Lai, who initiated WCEM, said the conference has the support of the Health Ministry and World Health Organization (WHO), adding that about 36 countries took part in the last two WCEM.

For more information, visit www.wcem.com.my. -- BERNAMA