The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (September 15) 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.

     
     â€‹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.

    
     â€‹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.
     
     â€‹The public may obtain more information from the DH's Health Education Infoline (2833 0111), heat stroke page and UV radiation page; the HKO's Dial-a-Weather (1878 200), latest weather report and forecast, UV Index and weather information for hiking and mountaineering; and press releases of the Labour Department on precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     The Hong Kong Observatory has issued the Very Hot Weather Warning.

     To prevent heat stroke, avoid prolonged activities outdoors.

     If engaged in outdoor work or activities, wear a wide-brimmed hat and light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes. Stay in shaded areas as much as possible.

     Drink plenty of water, and avoid beverages containing caffeine or alcohol.

     If you feel sick, consult a doctor right away.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

Yellow fire danger warning

     The fire danger situation today ( September 15) is yellow and the risk of fire is high. People are urged to prevent fires breaking out and hikers should also be vigilant.

     â€‹The Commission on Children (CoC), the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) and the Social Welfare Department today (September 14) jointly held the "Let's T.A.L.K. and Walk with Kids" stakeholder engagement and Mid-Autumn Festival celebration event under the theme of positive parenting and family bonding. Through a variety of parent-child interactive games, stress relief activities and sharing sessions, the event aimed at promoting positive parenting, enhancing family bonding and celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival.  

     Over 80 participants from around 30 families with children participating in the Child Development Fund
and their family members attended the event. The Secretary for Labour and Welfare and Vice-chairperson of the CoC, Mr Chris Sun, together with ex-officio member of the CoC, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Siu Chak-yee, and the Director of Social Welfare, Miss Charmaine Lee, joined the event to cheer on the parents and children.

     Mr Sun said that a harmonious family relationship is conducive to the healthy development of children, both physically and mentally. He encouraged parents to spend more time playing with their children and share quality parent-child moments together. Mr Siu hoped that the event, with a series of diverse and challenging parent-child interactive games, would provide participants with special family time together, and  could promote positive and healthy family relationships. Miss Lee said that families are the cornerstone of society and the backbone of child protection. She encouraged families to develop stronger familial bonds and enhanced care so that a loving and harmonious environment can be built for the children.

     As part of the "Walk with Kids" thematic campaign of the CoC, the stakeholder engagement event was conducted in the format of a day camp at the Junior Police Call Permanent Activity Centre and Integrated Youth Training Camp at Pat Heung. Non-official members of the CoC moderated the group sharing sessions, listening to parents sharing parenting experiences, and providing suggestions for practising positive parenting and enhancing family relationships. Under the guidance of the clinical psychologist from the HKPF, parents also learned and shared relaxation techniques with an aim to assist them in facing parenting challenges with a positive mindset amid their busy daily lives. Apart from a series of parent-child adventure and experiential activities, there was a lantern-making workshop to enhance interaction and collaboration between parents and their children, riding on the vibe of the Mid-Autumn Festival.  

                

     The Education Bureau (EDB) today (September 14) held Calligraphy 1 000+ for primary and secondary school students across Hong Kong to come together to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and to send well wishes for the country's prosperity through the art of calligraphy, which is rooted in the rich and vibrant traditions of Chinese culture.

     The Acting Secretary for Education, Mr Sze Chun-fai, and the Permanent Secretary for Education, Ms Michelle Li, officiated at the event. In support of the event, the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, who is currently on an overseas duty visit, had created a large calligraphic representation of the event's title on a long scroll to cheer on the participating students.

     Speaking at the event, Mr Sze said, "Chinese culture has a long history, and our esteemed traditional culture is the solid foundation of our country's development. As we make strides forward, it is crucial that we inherit and promote excellent Chinese culture. The art of calligraphy is one of the greatest treasures of Chinese culture. It is not only a form of art but also a way to cultivate character. In the process of calligraphy, students can feel the nuances of brush strokes, contemplate the layout and composition of characters, and appreciate the art of writing. This process also helps cultivate mindfulness, refine temperament, and gradually enhance one's aesthetic and cultural literacy."

     More than 1 800 students from 81 primary schools and 61 secondary schools participated in the event, alongside 300 principals, teachers, and guests. Apart from students participating on-site, some schools made school-based arrangements to take part simultaneously. In addition, more than 100 volunteers from the Education Bureau, the Chief Secretary for Administration's Office and the Legal Aid Department assisted with the event, exemplifying the spirit of cross-bureau collaboration.

     Guests, principals, teachers and students gathered at the venue to brandish their brushes together. With ink flowing freely and brushes dancing in unison, they created a spectacular scene and weaved a majestic masterpiece to celebrate National Day. This event not only showcased a passion for the art of calligraphy but also expressed heartfelt blessings from the Hong Kong school sector for the great motherland. They were willing to make concerted efforts to work together with one heart and one mind, do their utmost to contribute to the prosperity and advancement of the country.

     The Hong Kong Island School Heads Association, the Kowloon Region School Heads Association, and the New Territories School Heads Association were supporting organisations of the event. All participating students will receive a certificate of participation, and 75 outstanding student calligraphy works will be selected for awards and exhibition.