World Stroke Day Talk Reveals Hidden “Fear Factors of Stroke”
Crafted by: Jonathan Chew
In collaboration with Care Concierge, RENN Asia Wellness is making strides in improving stroke care and prevention in Malaysia. This initiative was highlighted at a recent event held in conjunction with World Stroke Day, where experts from both organizations shared insights on how to tackle the hidden risk factors of stroke beyond the well-known causes. The event, attended by over 50 people including senior citizens and caregivers, emphasized the growing need for stroke prevention awareness, given the rising number of stroke cases in Malaysia.
The Collaboration between RENN Asia Wellness & Care Concierge
The collaboration between RENN Asia Wellness and Care Concierge was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Jonathan Chew, CEO and founder of RENN Asia Wellness, and Martin Yap, CEO and founder of Care Concierge. This partnership aims to enhance stroke care by integrating nutritional and functional medicine (NFM) into the services offered at Care Concierge’s senior living and assisted living facilities in Malaysia. RENN Asia Wellness, known for its personalized, evidence-based approach to healthcare, will provide regular on-site services from functional doctors, thereby complementing the eldercare expertise of Care Concierge.
The two companies share a common mission: to offer a holistic care model that supports stroke survivors and those at risk of stroke through an integrative approach. By combining RENN Asia Wellness’ NFM expertise with Care Concierge’s senior living solutions, the partnership seeks to improve the quality of life for stroke patients and reduce stroke risks through proactive healthcare.
Stroke in Malaysia: An Urgent Concern
Malaysia is witnessing an increase in stroke cases, particularly among the elderly. According to Care Concierge’s CEO Martin Yap, about 40% of stroke cases in the country involve individuals aged 65 and above. With the rise of non-communicable diseases, largely due to poor lifestyle choices and dietary habits, the need for effective stroke prevention and treatment has never been more pressing.
Martin emphasized that the collaboration with RENN Asia Wellness is not only timely but necessary. Stroke remains a leading cause of death in Malaysia, with the Department of Statistics listing it as the third most common cause of death in the country. Care Concierge, as a senior living care specialist, is committed to addressing this issue by providing targeted stroke care services across its nine assisted living centers in the Klang Valley and Penang.
The Hidden Risk Factors of Stroke
Jonathan Chew, who delivered the main talk titled “Fear Factors of Stroke – How to Overcome Them,” highlighted several lesser-known risk factors that often go unnoticed. While the general public is familiar with the “triple highs” of cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar, there are other critical factors that contribute to stroke risk.
Jonathan pointed out issues like arterial stiffness and elevated levels of ferritin and homocysteine as significant contributors to stroke. He explained that these factors can be just as dangerous as the well-known ones and require equal attention. Jonathan’s talk also focused on practical steps individuals can take to mitigate these risks through lifestyle changes, proper nutrition, and evidence-based medical interventions.
For many people, the fear of stroke is ever-present, especially if heart disease runs in their families. Jonathan’s goal was to provide attendees with actionable advice on how to take control of these hidden risk factors and reduce their overall risk of stroke. His message was clear: by understanding and managing these lesser-known risks, individuals can significantly improve their long-term health outcomes.
The Role of Nutritional and Functional Medicine in Stroke Prevention
One of the central themes of the event was the role that Nutritional and Functional Medicine (NFM) can play in preventing strokes and managing stroke recovery. RENN Asia Wellness’ personalized approach, which focuses on natural regenerative treatments, was presented as a powerful tool in both preventing and treating strokes. Jonathan emphasized that NFM looks at the body as an interconnected system, addressing root causes of diseases rather than just treating symptoms.
This integrative healthcare model aligns perfectly with Care Concierge’s eldercare services. The collaboration will enable stroke patients, particularly the elderly, to receive the best possible care, whether they are at home or in one of Care Concierge’s assisted living facilities. Jonathan expressed confidence that this partnership would set a new standard in stroke care, offering patients a comprehensive, personalized approach to their health.
Public Awareness and Education
Public awareness around stroke prevention remains a critical issue in Malaysia. During the event, there was an open forum where attendees asked numerous questions, reflecting the community’s eagerness to learn more about how to protect themselves from stroke. Both Jonathan and Martin stressed the importance of ongoing public education campaigns to raise awareness about stroke risks, particularly the hidden factors that often go unnoticed.
T. Kathiravan, Head of Rehabilitation at the National Stroke Association of Malaysia (NASAM), also spoke at the event, reinforcing the importance of early rehabilitation for stroke survivors. He stated that early intervention significantly reduces long-term dependency and that there is indeed life after stroke if proper rehabilitation is pursued. Kathiravan encouraged the public to take stroke prevention seriously and to understand that early action can make all the difference in preventing long-term damage.
Future Plans and Expansion of Services
Looking forward, both RENN Asia Wellness and Care Concierge are committed to broadening the scope of their collaboration. Jonathan expressed a desire to continue working closely with Care Concierge to raise public awareness about stroke prevention and to offer solutions that enhance general health and well-being. The two companies plan to roll out more educational events and expand the availability of their services to a wider audience in Malaysia.
The partnership is set to provide more than just immediate healthcare solutions. It represents a shift towards a more holistic, preventive approach to healthcare in Malaysia, where the focus is on addressing the root causes of diseases and promoting long-term wellness.
In his keynote address, Dato’ Sri Steve Yap, President of the Federation of Complementary and Natural Medicine Associations Malaysia, spoke on the growing importance of Nutritional and Functional Medicine in stroke prevention. He noted that this approach offers a complementary solution to conventional medicine, providing patients with more options to manage their health proactively. Dato’ Sri Steve Yap believes that partnerships like the one between RENN Asia Wellness and Care Concierge are crucial for pushing forward innovative healthcare solutions in the country.
Conclusion
The collaboration between RENN Asia Wellness and Care Concierge marks a significant step forward in stroke care and prevention in Malaysia. By combining personalized, evidence-based nutritional and functional medicine with eldercare expertise, the partnership aims to provide comprehensive, holistic care for stroke patients, both in assisted living facilities and at home.
As stroke cases continue to rise in Malaysia, largely due to lifestyle factors and the aging population, initiatives like this are essential. They not only provide practical solutions for stroke patients but also raise public awareness about the lesser-known risk factors that contribute to stroke. Through continued collaboration, public education, and innovative healthcare solutions, RENN Asia Wellness and Care Concierge are setting new standards in stroke prevention and care.
