CHP reminds public on precautions against heat stroke during very hot weather
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (September 12) reminded members of the public, particularly those undertaking outdoor activities, to take heed of necessary measures against heat stroke and sunburn in very hot weather.
"The public should carry and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration while engaging in outdoor activities," a spokesman for the CHP said.
"Those engaged in strenuous outdoor activities should avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcohol, as they speed up water loss through the urinary system," the spokesman explained.
"Infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women, those with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or high blood pressure, outdoor/manual workers, and individuals who are overweight are more vulnerable to heat stroke. They should pay special attention," the spokesman added.
The public should adopt the following precautions:
Wear loose and light-coloured clothing to reduce heat absorption and facilitate sweat evaporation and heat dissipation;
Avoid vigorous exercise and prolonged activities like hiking or trekking as heat, sweating and exhaustion can place additional demands on the physique;
Perform outdoor activities in the morning or the late afternoon, if possible;
For indoor activities, open all windows, use a fan or use air-conditioning to maintain good ventilation;
Do not stay inside a parked vehicle; and
Reschedule work to cooler times of the day if feasible. If working in a hot environment is inevitable, introduce shade in the workplace where practicable. Start work slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Move to a cool area for rest at regular intervals to allow the body to recuperate.
The public should also note the latest and the forecast Ultraviolet (UV) Index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV Index is high (6 or above):
Minimise direct exposure of the skin and the eyes to sunlight;
Wear long-sleeved and loose-fitting clothes;
Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella;
Seek a shaded area or put on UV-blocking sunglasses;
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 15, preferably higher. Reapply every two hours if you stay out in the sun, and after swimming, sweating or towelling off; and
While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent.
If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.
The public may obtain more information from the DH's Health Education Infoline (2833 0111),heat strokepage andUV radiationpage; the HKO's Dial-a-Weather (1878 200),latestweather report and forecast,UV Indexand weather information forhiking and mountaineering; andpress releasesof the Labour Departmenton precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force.
Source: AI-generated images
London ETO supports Odyssey 2024 film festival
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) supported the Odyssey 2024 film festival which presents 25 screenings of Hong Kong films in six cities across the United Kingdom (UK) from September 16 to October 16, 2024 (London time). A reception was held on September 16 before the opening screening of "Chungking Express (4K restoration)", with the presence of the Mayor of Lambeth, Councillor John-Paul Ennis, and over 60 guests from the local cultural and business sectors. The opening screening attracted over 150 supporters of the Hong Kong cinema.
The Director-General of the London ETO, Mr Gilford Law, delivered a virtual speech to kick-start the film festival. Mr Law said, "The Odyssey film festival is one of the largest of its kind supported by the London ETO, featuring 25 screenings of Hong Kong films across six cities - London, Cambridge, Liverpool, Hereford, Farnham, and Sheffield. This year's festival offers a diverse showcase of Hong Kong's cinematic achievements, including the opening film, director Wong Kar-wai's iconic 'Chungking Express', celebrating its 30th anniversary. The festival provides UK audiences with a unique opportunity to explore Hong Kong's vibrant film culture."
"Hong Kong is an international hub for cultural and creative industries with promising development opportunities. With our unique status and strengths under 'one country, two systems', also capitalising on our sophisticated fusion of East and West, we are determined to become a hub for arts and cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world, as supported by the National 14th Five-Year Plan," he added.
Odyssey film festival is an annual event presented by UK-China Film Collab, a non-profit organisation based in the UK. The Odyssey 2024film festival presents over 60 films via cinemas and online platform, as well as other programmes including discussion panels and Q&As.
London ETO supports Odyssey 2024 film festival Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
London ETO supports Odyssey 2024 film festival Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
London ETO supports Odyssey 2024 film festival Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
London ETO supports Odyssey 2024 film festival Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
