Press Release

Health measures to take during cold weather

February 2, 2004

The Department of Health reminds the public that as colder weather will approach from tomorrow (February 3), measures should be taken to safeguard health.

Cold weather can trigger diseases, especially among the elderly and people suffering from heart, respiratory or chronic conditions, the Assistant Director of Health, Dr Chan Wai-man, said today (February 2).

The elderly have less insulating fat beneath their skin to 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 cause the body to generate less heat. Other problems like stroke, fractures, Parkinson's disease and dementia may restrict the mobility of the elderly, slowing down the generation and conservation of body heat.

Dr Chan urged the public to adopt the following precautions:

• Take note of the weather forecast. Wear appropriately warm clothing, including scarves, socks, gloves and hats;
• Consume sufficient food and drink with a high calorie content, eg, hot soup, hot rice and noodles. Avoid alcohol;
• Perform regular exercise to facilitate circulation and production of heat;
• Stay in a warm environment and avoid exposure in open spaces. Heaters must be used with care to ensure safety, and adequate indoor ventilation must be maintained;
• Seek medical attention if unwell.

As for babies, it is important to keep them lightly clothed so as not to restrict their movements.Parents should observe the following rules when putting their babies to bed:

• Babies should normally lie on their backs. Pillows should not be used;
• Babies should be placed with their feet at the foot of the cot and their arms outside light bedding. To reduce the risk of an infant's head being covered, bedding should be tucked securely beneath the cot.

When cold weather approaches, the following precautions against influenza are recommended:

• Build up immunity through proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, by reducing stress and by refraining from smoking;
• Wash hands after sneezing, coughing or blowing the nose;
• Maintain good ventilation;
• Avoid crowded places with poor ventilation;
• Consult a doctor promptly when suffering from influenza-like symptoms. This applies especially to children, the elderly and people with chronic diseases.

For more information on cold weather measures, call the Central Health Education Unit Hotline, 2833 0111. Information can also be obtained from the Department of Health's health educational homepage at This link will open in a new windowhttp://www.cheu.gov.hk.

In view of recent gastroenteritis outbreaks caused by Norwalk-like virus and rotavirus, Dr Chan also reminded the public to observe the following precautions:

• Wash hands thoroughly before handling food and eating and after using the toilet or handling vomit or faecal matter;
• Wear gloves when disposing of vomit and faeces and wash hands afterwards;
• Clean and disinfect contaminated areas and items promptly and thoroughly with household bleach diluted at a ratio of 1 in 49 units of water;
• Maintain good indoor ventilation;
• Make sure that food, particularly seafood, is cooked thoroughly.