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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 (June 9) 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;
  • Apply a broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen product with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 or higher when participating in outdoor activities. Reapply every two hours if you need to stay outdoors for a prolonged period, or after swimming, sweating or towelling off;
  • While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent;
  • Seek shade;
  • Wear UV-blocking sunglasses;
  • Wear long-sleeved and loose-fitting clothes; and
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella.
    
     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. read more

East Asia

HKFP holds “The Little Grape’s 5th Anti-Scam Birthday Party” to promote scam prevention messages

     The Hong Kong Police Force held “The Little Grape’s 5th Anti-Scam Birthday Party” today (June 8) at Harcourt Garden in Admiralty to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the anti-scam mascot, “The Little Grape”. Through interactive games and fun challenges, the event aimed to boost public awareness of scam prevention.

     Launched in 2020, the anti-scam mascot emphasises the importance of vigilance against scammers, promotes public awareness, and encourages the sharing of anti-scam information with family and friends.

     Speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Chow Yat-ming, said that over the past five years, the Police have organised numerous online and offline promotional activities featuring “The Little Grape”. Thanks to these initiatives and the collective efforts of the community, the annual growth rate of scam cases has significantly slowed, declining from nearly 90 per cent in 2020 to 11.7 per cent last year. While the number of scam cases increased by 9 per cent in the first four months of this year compared to the same period last year, financial losses dropped by 30 per cent, indicating a rise in public awareness of scam prevention.

     Mr Chow noted that combating scams requires the collective effort of the entire community. He compared scams to viruses and anti-scam publicity campaign to vaccines. When citizens proactively absorb scam prevention information, they build immunity against deception, much like receiving a vaccine. He stressed that only collective action can effectively thwart scammers.

     The event featured several interactive activities, including anti-scam games and a surprise flash mob by “The Little Grape” mascot. To mark the 5th anniversary of mascot, the Police also organised “The Little Grape Anti-Scam Tongue Twister Contest”, using four simple and catchy tongue twisters to reinforce scam prevention awareness.

     Looking ahead, the Police will continue to refine anti-scam promotional strategies. “The Little Grape” will remain innovative, engaging with the public through a diverse range of activities and collaborating with all sectors of society to build a stronger barrier against scams.
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East Asia