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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 18) reminded members of the public, particularly the elderly and persons with chronic illness, to adopt appropriate measures against infections during the expected cold weather in the following days.
A spokesperson for the CHP said, "Cold weather can easily trigger diseases, especially among the elderly and persons suffering from heart disease, respiratory illness or chronic illnesses.
"The elderly have less insulating fat beneath their skin to keep them warm, and their body temperature control mechanism may be weaker. Their body may not be able to appropriately respond to the cold weather.
"Some senior persons may have decreased mobility, which in turn slows down the generation and conservation of body heat. Chronic diseases including hypertension, diabetes and endocrine disorders not only undermine the health of the elderly, but may also lower their metabolic rate and subsequently cause their body to generate less heat.
The spokesperson reminded the public, the elderly and persons with chronic illnesses in particular, to adopt the following preventive measures:
* Take note of the weather forecast. Wear appropriately warm clothing, including hats, scarves, gloves and socks according to the temperature;
* Consume sufficient food and drinks with a high calorie content such as hot soup, hot rice and noodles;
* Perform regular exercise to facilitate blood circulation and heat production;
* Stay in a warm environment and avoid outdoor exposure;
* Use heaters with care and maintain adequate indoor ventilation; and
* Seek medical advice once feeling unwell.
In addition, the public should avoid alcoholic beverages. "Drinking alcohol cannot keep you warm. Alcohol causes blood vessels to dilate and the body would lose heat," the spokesperson explained.
It is important to keep babies lightly clothed so as not to restrict their movement. Parents should observe the following points when putting their children to bed:
* Babies should normally lie on their backs. Pillows should not be used; and
* Babies' feet should be placed at the foot of the cot and their arms outside light bedding. To reduce the risk of infants' heads being covered, bedding should be securely tucked beneath the cot.
Members of the public are advised to take heed of the following advice to avoid influenza and upper respiratory tract infections:
* Maintain adequate rest, a balanced diet and regular exercise, avoid stress and do not smoke;
* Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene;
* Ensure good ventilation;
* Wear a face mask in the event of flu-like symptoms, while taking care of patients and visiting hospitals or clinics;
* Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper in a lidded rubbish bin and wash hands immediately afterwards;
* Consult medical advice once feeling unwell and stay at home; and
* Seasonal influenza vaccination is suitable for all persons against influenza except those with known contraindications.
Food-borne diseases, particularly those linked to hotpot cuisine, are also common in cold weather. The following preventive measures should be taken:
* Wash hands before handling and consuming food;
* Do not patronise unlicensed vendors or those with poor hygienic standards while selecting food;
* Buy fresh seafood with intact shells and without a strange odour;
* Wash and cook all food thoroughly;
* Wash vegetables thoroughly and soak them in clean water for a period of time if possible to wash away pesticides;
* Handle seafood with extra care. Do not eat prawns when they have just turned red. Cook for five more minutes before eating. Avoid eating the heads of prawns;
* Remove outer shells of seafood and cook the seafood in boiling water for a relatively long period of time to ensure it is thoroughly cooked;
* Avoid sprinkling food with raw spring onions;
* Store washed and prepared food under refrigeration below 4 degrees Celsius. Eat food as soon as possible after cooking;
* Never use raw eggs as a dipping sauce for hot pot as they may be contaminated by salmonella; and
* Use different sets of chopsticks to handle raw and cooked food to avoid cross contamination.
For more health information, the public may call the Health Education Hotline on 2833 0111 or visit the website of the Central Health Education Unit (www.cheu.gov.hk).
For the latest weather information and forecast, the public may call Dial-a-Weather on 1878 200 or visit the website of the Hong Kong Observatory (www.hko.gov.hk).
Ends/Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Issued at HKT 16:19
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