Abbott, the global healthcare company, in collaboration with the Malaysian Healthy Ageing Society (MHAS) has launched a Muscle Health Awareness roadshow campaign at 1 Utama shopping mall in Petaling Jaya on March 7, 2024.
The initiative aims to raise awareness of the importance of muscle to support older adults and help build a healthy ageing community in Malaysia.
The campaign was inaugurated by Timothy J Monk, general manager of Abbott’s nutrition business for Malaysia.
Also present at the launch event were Dr Nina Mazera Mohd Said, Abbott’s nutrition medical director for Malaysia; Samantha Teh, marketing director of Abbott Malaysia; Danny Hoh, general manager for marketing and consumer growth of Watsons Malaysia; and Foo Hwei Jiek, trading director of Watsons Malaysia.
Studies show that Malaysia’s ageing population is increasing rapidly. It is predicted that by 2040, approximately 15% of the population will be 65 years old and above. Currently 1 in 3 adults aged 60+ have low muscle mass.
As part of the initiative, Abbott and MHAS will conduct a series of educational activities on muscle health, muscle screening, good nutrition and exercise.
The nationwide roadshow from April through October, 2024 will include the #Stand4Strength challenge where the public will undertake a simple, scientifically validated sit-to-stand exercise and insert their results into the online Muscle Age Calculator to find out their muscle age.
Abbot also launched a new nutritional formula to promote muscle health. The new Ensure Gold StrengthPro contains HMB (beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate) that has been shown to strengthen muscle health in eight weeks and YBG (yeast beta glucan) to enhance immunity in four weeks.
The formula also contains other important nutrients, including fructooligosaccharides (FOS) for better digestion, calcium and vitamin D for strong bones, and a plant-based fat blend with omega-3 to support heart health.
At the event, various health experts discussed insights in a sharing session themed “Stand Up For Stronger Musle and Immunity” and led by Abbott Nutrition medical director Dr Nina Mazera Mohd Said and MHAS president Prof Dr Shahrul Bahyah Kamaruzzaman.
“Simple changes like focusing on nutrient-rich foods, especially protein, is one of the most important factors to prevent muscle loss and promote healthy ageing.
”For over a century, Abbott has developed science-based nutrition solutions to support the health and wellness of people around the world. Our breakthrough innovation – the new Ensure Gold StrengthPro – can empower Malaysian adults by helping to enhance their strength and immunity for a better quality of life,” said Dr. Nina Mazera.
The Ensure Gold StrengthPro is available in three flavors: vanilla, wheat and coffee.
For more information on the new Ensure Gold StrengthPro, the Muscle Age Calculator or to be part of the #Stand4Strength challenge, go to https://www.family.abbott/my-en/ensure/tools-and-resources/tools/muscle-age-calculator.html.
