Fragrant flowers to go on display at Hong Kong Park
Members of the public will have a chance to take a closer look at different species of fragrant flowers at an exhibition to be held from September 20 (Friday) at the Forsgate Conservatory in Hong Kong Park under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
Plants with fragrant flowers are commonly used in gardening and home greening because of the rich, pleasant and refreshing scents that they emit. A rich variety of about 700 fragrant flowers will be showcased at the upcoming exhibition, including Arabian jasmine, Orange-jessamine, Crepe jasmine, Kwai-fah and Banana shrub.
As the national flower of the Philippines and Indonesia, Arabian jasmine is suitable for home cultivation. Its white flowers are fragrant and can be used for making tea.
The white flowers of Orange-jessamine have a powerful fragrance. It is a common choice for hedges due to its resilience.
The refreshing scent of the white flowers of Crepe jasmine makes it a popular choice for garden landscaping.
With tiny yellowish-white flowers that emit long-lasting and refreshing fragrance, Kwai-fah is often used in making desserts, brewing scented tea and creating floral liqueur.
The flowers of the Banana shrub are pale yellow with a rich, banana-like perfume. The Chinese name of the plant means "wearing a smile", because the flowers, usually partially open, resemble a person with a shy and reserved smile.
In addition to the presentation of over 40 species of fragrant flowers, display boards will also be set up to introduce their characteristics, planting tips and propagation methods. Park visitors are invited to attend the exhibition, which will be open to the public free of charge from 9am to 5pm daily from September 20 to October 31 at the Forsgate Conservatory of Hong Kong Park, 19 Cotton Tree Drive, Central.
Fragrant flowers to go on display at Hong Kong Park Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Fragrant flowers to go on display at Hong Kong Park Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Fragrant flowers to go on display at Hong Kong Park Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
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 18) 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.
