Press Release

Precautionary measures against cold weather

December 20, 2001

The Department of Health (DH) today (December 20) advised the public to take precautionary measures against the expected cold weather in the next few days.

The DH's Assistant Director (Personal Health Services), Dr Regina Ching, said:"Cold weather can trigger off diseases especially among the elderly people, those with heart, respiratory or chronic diseases."

"The elderly have less insulating fat beneath their skin to help keep them warm and their temperature control mechanism may be weaker."

"Chronic health problems like hypertension, diabetes mellitus and endocrine problems may lead to a lower metabolic rate and less body heat generated. Other health problems like stroke, fractures, Parkinson's Disease and dementia may restrict the mobility of the elderly."

Dr Ching urged the public to take the following measures:

• To take note of the weather forecast. Wearing appropriate warm clothing including scarfs, socks, gloves and hats;
• To take sufficient food and drinks with high calorie content, e.g. hot soup, hot rice and noodles. Alcohol should be avoided;
• To perform regular exercises to facilitate circulation and production of heat;
• To stay in warm environment and avoid exposure in open space. Heaters must be used with care to ensure safety, and adequate ventilation must be maintained; and
• To seek medical attention, if unwell.

For babies, it is important to keep them lightly clothed in order not to restrict their bodily movements. Parents should take the following measures when they put their babies to bed:

• Babies should normally lie on their backs and pillows should not be used;
• Their feet should rest at the foot of the cot, and their arms should stay outside light bedding which is tucked securely in at the bottom of the cot to reduce the risk of bedding slipping over their heads.

Members of the public who wish to get more information on the precautionary measures against cold weather can call DH's Central Health Education Unit Hotline at 2833 0111 (24 hours) or 2833 0112 (office hours). Information can also be obtained from DH's health educational homepage at http://www.info.gov.hk/healthzone and click "What's New" to obtain a relevant fact sheet.