Press Release
DH promotes healthy lifestyles in the community
29 April 2015
Some 500 community members and 80 partners from various organisations received commendations from the Department of Health (DH) at a recognition ceremony today (April 29) for their active participation in promoting and facilitating healthy eating and regular physical activity in the Hong Kong community.
Addressing the "I'm So Smart" Community Health Promotion Programme Recognition Ceremony today, the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection of the DH, Dr Leung Ting-hung, said under the support of various sectors, the message of the programme has been continuously disseminated to the community. Thus the public is aware of adopting a healthy lifestyle, including healthy eating and taking regular physical activity in daily life, which can effectively prevent various chronic diseases.
The "I'm So Smart" Community Health Promotion Programme has completed its third year mission since its launch in 2012 by the DH in collaboration with community partners to promote a healthy diet and regular physical activity. Last year, a sub-theme on prevention of vector-borne diseases was included to echo the theme of World Health Day (WHD) 2014 and to raise public awareness on the prevention of the diseases.
Citing Dengue Fever (DF) as an example of vector-borne diseases, Dr Leung said dengue activity remained high in neighbouring areas and three local cases were confirmed in 2014.
"As the vector of dengue, Aedes albopictus, a mosquito commonly found in Hong Kong, can breed in a small amount of stagnant water, we have to step up our vigilance to prevent DF becoming endemic," Dr Leung added.
He also took the opportunity to thank the participating organisations for their support in promoting the message on the prevention of vector-borne diseases in the local community.
Looking ahead, the main theme of the programme in 2015 is prevention of colorectal cancer through a healthy diet and regular physical activity. Meanwhile, a sub-theme on food safety was also added to be in line with the theme of WHD this year.
The Programme has been supported by over 80 organisations including the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HKHA), Estate Management Advisory Committees of public housing estates under the HKHA, Healthy Cities Projects and non-governmental organisations. Participating organisations have held a variety of activities to promote a healthy diet and regular physical activity according to community needs and interests. Total attendance of more than 73 000 was recorded for these activities in 2014.
Other officiating guests at today's ceremony included the Chief Manager (Management) of the Housing Department, Mr Virgil Hsu; Pest Control Officer in-charge of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Mr Yuen Ming-chi; Chairperson of the Physical Fitness Association of Hong Kong, China, Professor Stanley Hui; and Chairman of the Hong Kong Dietitians Association, Ms Sylvia Lam.
