Press Release / Announcements

Press Release: New website advocates Change for Health

20 Jan 2011 (Thu)

The Department of Health (DH) today (January 20) officially launched a designated 'Change for Health' website as another important initiative in the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCD).

Consultant Community Medicine, Dr TH Leung, said: "This new website aims to disseminate up-to-date information about the actions on prevention and control of NCD to members of the public and stakeholders."

"It features a wealth of information through self-explanatory and interactive activities to empower and equip members of the public with skills for adoption of and practising healthy lifestyle."

He said, according to the World Health Organization's estimates, at least 80 per cent of all heart diseases, stroke, type 2 diabetes and 40 per cent of cancers could be prevented by eliminating shared behavioural risks, such as unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, smoking and harmful use of alcohol.

The Behavioural Risk Factor Surveys conducted by the DH showed that certain unhealthy but modifiable lifestyle practices are prevalent among the general population in Hong Kong.

In addition, the website would provide a channel for communication between the Government, relevant stakeholders and members of the public on issues related to prevention and control of NCD.

Dr Leung said: "Different health promotion partners in Hong Kong run a wide range of health promotion events all year round. Through our website, interested parties can access on-line information on upcoming health promotion events organised by the DH, other government departments and non-government organisations."

The website will be implemented in phases in terms of subject areas, functions and user coverage. While the initial phase covers information and actions relating to promotion of healthy diet and physical activity participation, other topics under the Strategic Framework on Prevention and Control of NCD will be added later.

Contents of the "Change for Health" website ( http://www.change4health.gov.hk ) will be updated and enriched at regular intervals.

Dr Leung thanked various government departments and non-governmental organisations for their support and contributions in setting up the website.

He said: "We will continue to develop this website to suit the needs of our population especially our health promotion partners, offering quality health information pertaining to prevention and control of NCD for all."

With a view to reducing the burden of major NCD, the DH published a document entitled 'Promoting Health in Hong Kong: A Strategic Framework for Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases' in 2008.

Working Groups had already been set up, including the Working Group on Diet and Physical Activity, to draw up Action Plans to build a supportive environment for members of the public to make healthy choices in their everyday lives.

End/ Thursday, 20 January 2011