December 2004

8 a.m. on a Sunday morning and Jalan Bukit Bintang was deserted - except for a trail of people wearing identical white t-shirts walking about in pairs or on their own. Occasionally stopping to consult an equally identical black clipboard then stare at the buildings about them, this group was indeed a curious sight.

This group, however, gave no thought to the amused looks they were getting from shopkeepers and security guards, the only people other than themselves that early in the morning. These intrepid people were on the ‘Treasure Your Bones’ walking treasure hunt, a fun, family-oriented hunt and educational effort organized by the Malaysian Osteoporosis Society (MOS) and sponsored by Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD).

Flagged off by Dr. Lee Joon Kiong, president of MOS, and Ewe Kheng Huat, Managing Director of MSD, the participants had 2 hours to trek along the given route and to find the answers to 32 questions.

The treasure hunt saw participants ranging from whole families out for a day of fun and laughter to groups of friends eager for a challenge. And what a challenge it was. At the end of the hunt, participants were tired but excited and couldn’t wait to hear the results. The excitement was justified – first prize was a trip for two to the paradise island of Bali.

Before the results were announced, the participants were treated to a short and informative forum on one of the most common Asian afflictions: osteoporosis.

“Osteoporosis means ‘porous bones’, which makes them susceptible to fractures, particularly of the wrist, spine and hip,” explains Dr. Lee during the talk. “We doctors always say ‘At 50 years old, you fracture your wrist. At 60, you fracture your spine. At 70, you fracture your hip.”

“Hip fractures are one of the worse fractures you can have. Statistics show that only 25% of hip bone fracture patients will regain full control of their physical functions.”

Dr. Lee continues, “Asian women, in particular, are very vulnerable to this disease. Yet, osteoporosis is preventable. A healthy diet with adequate calcium, regular exercise and healthy lifestyle can prevent the onset of this disease.”

Soon the much-awaited results were announced. Third prize – a trip for two to Langkawi – was taken by Leong Conn Li and Lee Wan Shen, second prize comprising of a trip to Phuket went to Fong Choon Kit and Vincent Ting Chin Keon and the first prize to Bali went to Chen Poh Loong and Chen Siew Ping.

The brother-and-sister team was absolutely thrilled to win the first prize. “The idea of a walking hunt was very interesting and different. It was also really fun! I found the osteoporosis forum to be very useful and informative as well,” said Poh Loong.

“This was a good day,” concluded Ewe. “Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves solving the riddle questions and finding the treasures plus they had the opportunity to learn about osteoporosis. If the chance to be a part of something like this comes again, MSD will definitely give its utmost support.”

The treasure hunt is one of the many on-going medical education initiatives organized by MSD Malaysia with the medical community to promote disease awareness and education as part of the company’s commitment to promote a healthier Malaysia.

About Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis often known as “a silent disease” is a progressive medical condition in which the bone density peaks around age 30 and slowly decreases with age. Osteoporosis related fractures are recognized as a major health problem by the WHO. The socio-economic burden is estimated to be at RM22 million in Malaysia, excluding cost incurred in rehabilitation and long-term nursing care.¹ Hence, potential patients’ ignorance of the true nature of osteoporosis and the appropriate management available needs to be addressed via promotion of disease education, proper diagnosis and management. The direct hospitalization cost for hip fractures in 1997 is estimated at RM22 million.¹  The mortality rate of patient with fracture is high. Statistics show more than 20% of patients with hip fractures will die within 12 months of the incident.¹

Reference :

1. Clinical Practice Guidelines on Management of Osteoporosis 2001; 5 & 6

About the Malaysian Osteoporosis Society (MOS)

Malaysian Osteoporosis Society was formed in November 1996 with the objective of educating both medical professionals and the general public about osteoporosis. Society activities include conducting CME lectures and public forums. The society has also drawn up a Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) on osteoporosis in 2000 and is currently updating the document which is scheduled to be re-published in 2005. Membership is open to doctors only and the society has over 70 members to date.

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