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Medical professionals, apart from providing medical treatment to their patients, can also play a pivotal part in helping them improve and maintain their health through exercise prescription.
The remark was made by the Assistant Director of Health (Health Promotion), Dr Regina Ching, when she addressed the introductory session of a Certificate Training Course for Doctors on prescription of exercise to patients today (January 20).
The training course is a core component of the Exercise Prescription Project co-organised by the Department of Health (DH) and the Hong Kong Medical Association (HKMA).
It aims to promote physical activities among members of the public through the conjoint efforts of the government, medical practitioners as well as other professional disciplines and community groups in Hong Kong.
The course content and implementation was supported by the Physical Fitness Association of Hong Kong, China and other professional groups.
This is the third of a series of training programmes aimed at building a critical mass of doctors in general practice who would take exercise seriously as a cost- effective intervention to prevent diseases and promote health. Around 100 doctors registered for the course.
Exercise prescription is a piece of written, specific and personalised advice given by the doctor to his/her client on why, what, how, where and how much exercise is needed to improve health.
Dr Ching said the lack of physical activity has been shown to increase the chance of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, some cancers and many other chronic health problems.
"According to a local study conducted in April 2006 by DH, only 45% of respondents aged 18﷿64 had moderate physical activities for at least 10 minutes a day," she said.
"However, evidence shows that 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day is good for health and can prevent a number of chronic health problems," she added.
Examples of moderate physical activity include brisk walking, stair climbing, running, swimming, cycling, dancing, ballgames, gardening and even doing housework that involves regular contraction and relaxation of large muscle groups. Good exercises should be simple to do, easy to access, fun and safe.
Legislative Council member, Dr Kwok Ka Ki, gave an opening remark in the first session.
"The medical profession felt that the special and trusting relationship between doctors and their clients made them a convenient, reliable and effective source of advice, support and encouragement in motivating people to engage in regular physical activity. Furthermore, their exercise pattern could be followed up and reinforced in subsequent medical visits," Dr Kwok said.
Dr Yeung Chiu Fat of the Hong Kong Medical Association said, "We hope that the training programme would strengthen the knowledge, skill and confidence among doctors in promoting physical activity to their clients."
Doctors who attended the training courses will be introduced to the principles and practice of Exercise Prescription for healthy subjects and chronic disease patients; the importance of pre-exercise health screening and risk stratification; the need for considering patients' stage of change in behavioural modification and the relevance of community resources in supporting active living.
They will also be required to go through a practicum of exercise training so that they can acquire the first hand experience of moderate physical activity and its effect on their bodies.
People with chronic diseases or have risk factors like obesity or high blood cholesterol, and those who have been sedentary all the time, should consult their doctors before embarking on an exercise training programme.
More information on exercise prescription can be found in the website at http://exerciseRx.cheu.gov.hk.
Ends/Saturday, January 20, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:52
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