Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur’s Women Support Group Launched in conjunction with International Women’s Day

“The support Group known as Women to Women Wellbeing Tea-Talks will act as a channel where women can turn to for emotional support, gain information and share experiences during a monthly well-being tea talk sessions.”

From left : Molly Jagpal - Executive Director of BMCC, Claire Sondaz - Marketing Director of Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur, Datuk Beatrice Nirmala Adaikalaraj - Editor-In-Chief, International Business Review and Passions Magazine,  Datuk Paddy Bowie OBE - A well-known political analyst and writer ,Dr. Nor Hamidah Mohd Salleh - Consultant Psychiatrist  from Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur ,Dato' Siti Nurhaliza,  and Dr Harjit Kaur - from Breast Cancer Welfare Association of Malaysia (BCWA), after signing at a tea-cup during the launch of the Gleneagles KL's Women Support Group in conjuction of International Women's Day.

Kuala Lumpur, 14 June 2011: Women today, especially in Malaysia, are recognized for their achievements and hold many key decision-making positions in the corporate and government sectors. According to a recent published report, women will make 55% of the total workforce of the country by 2015.

Unfortunately, women are also paying a heavy price when it comes to health issues. According to recent data published by the Ministry of Health Malaysia, heart disease is the number one killer of women and the prevalence of non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors, such as raised blood glucose, higher levels of cholesterol and obesity are higher in women aged 25 to 64 years compared to men of that same age group.

According to Dr Nor Hamidah Mohd. Salleh, consultant psychiatrist from Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur, another worrying trend is the increase of mental illness cases among women.

Chief Executive Officer of Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur Amir Firdaus Abdullah said that the trend is unhealthy and women should take serious efforts to ensure health is the number one priority.

“More women are at risk when it comes to heart disease, breast cancer and cervical cancer. WHO projected the rate of women smokers worldwide to double by 2025 as more younger women are picking up the habit. The numbers are indeed worrying.”

However, on a more positive note, Amir announced that the hospital will initiate a support group known as ‘Women to Women Wellbeing Tea-Talks’ that will act as a platform for women in the community to share their experiences in all health related areas. The support group was launched by Malaysian Icon, Datuk Siti Nurhaliza during a high-tea event was launched on the 8 March 2011 co-organized by the hospital and the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (BMCC) that brought together more than 100 extraordinary women from the local business community to commemorate International Women’s Day celebrations.

“We are inviting women from all age groups to join in the free monthly well-being tea talk sessions of this support group which will be kicking-off on 11 June 2011,” enthused Amir.

Among the topics that will be discussed includes; Living with Breast Cancer by Dr Harjit Kaur from Breast Cancer Welfare Association of Malaysia (BCWA), Women’s Mental Health by Dr Nor Hamidah from Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur (GKL), Healthy Living by GKL’s chief dietician, Ms Lim Ai Leng and many more.

Prior to the launch, there was a networking and a high-tea session. Datuk Beatrice Nirmala Adaikalaraj, Editor-In-Chief, International Business Review and Passions Magazine, Datuk Paddy Bowie OBE, a well-known political analyst and writer and Dr. Nor Hamidah Mohd Salleh, Malaysia's leading psychiatrist from Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur also presented talks in conjunction with the centennial IWD celebrations.

Executive Director of BMCC Molly Jagpal, who was also present at the high-tea event said: “International Women’s Day acknowledges the overwhelming and boundless contribution of women internationally and today’s event is our contribution locally. Kuala Lumpur is full of exciting, dynamic and entrepreneurial women who will play a large role in the national development of Malaysia.”

“More and more women in Malaysia are breaking the glass ceiling as demonstrated by the women whom have attended this event. BMCC and GKL believe that everyday should be marked as women’s day to give due recognition to the economic, political, and social achievements of women.”

Proceeds raised from the event will be channelled to BCWA. For more information on this and all Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur’s latest activities, please log on to www.gleneagleskl.com.my

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