Public Urged to Take Precautions Against Heat Stroke in Extreme Weather

2024-10-07 07:47 Last Updated At：07:58

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 (October 7) 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.

Dr. Hung Keung Unveils 'Dim Sum without Distance' at Toronto's Nuit Blanche Festival

2024-10-06 20:50 Last Updated At：21:08

"Dim Sum without Distance": a cultural journey unveiled at Nuit Blanche in Toronto

Internationally renowned digital media artist Dr Hung Keung from Hong Kong joined Nuit Blanche, the largest overnight contemporary art festival Toronto, Canada, and presented a cross-cultural collaboration project with Canadian dance artist Lauren Runions. The art project gave visitors a taste of the new realm of digital media art creation through traditional Chinese landscape painting theory, new media and the culinary art of dim sum on October 5 and 6 (Toronto time).

The project, entitled, "Dim Sum without Distance", reimagines the traditional Chinese painting theory of the "Three Distances," which explores depth through perspectives of looking up, down and across. The installation was inspired by these viewpoints and the culinary art of dim sum, a term that may also be interpreted as "to touch the heart", and aligned with the theme of this year's Nuit Blanche, which is "Bridging Distance".

The art piece was showcased at Love Park along Toronto's waterfront, creating a unique cultural dialogue that transcends geographical boundaries. The video content follows Runions's journey through Hong Kong, where dim sum-making becomes a form of performance art. Through a captivating multimedia experience, Dr Hung and Runions explore the intricate relationship between food, culture and art, encouraging audiences to reflect on the shared experiences that unite diverse communities.

As audiences moved through the park, the work invited them to experience different perspectives and explore the profound connection between the traditional and contemporary.

Dr Hung is a digital media artist and professor at the Education University of Hong Kong. He blends Chinese philosophy with digital media in an innovative artistic practice, which explores interactive performance and experimental art. This innovative installation is one of highlights of Nuit Blanche this year, captivating art lovers and curious minds alike with its rich storytelling and immersive visuals.

Nuit Blanche is Toronto's annual all-night celebration of contemporary art, produced by the City of Toronto in collaboration with Toronto's arts community. The "Dim Sum without Distance" project was sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) and the Hong Kong Tourism Board with the support of Hong Kong Arts Centre.