Replies to LegCo questions
LCQ17: Student Health Service
Following is a question by the Hon Lau Kong-wah and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong, in the Legislative Council today (December 18):
Question :
It was reported that a recent research report in Britain had pointed out for the first time that excessive intake of salt for children and babies might increase their chances of developing high blood pressure in the future, and the report had also recommended the maximum amounts of daily intake of salt for children and new-born babies. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council whether:
(a) it has studied the said research report; if so, whether it plans to promote such recommended amounts of intake among the people of Hong Kong;
(b) the Student Health Service provided by the Department of Health includes measuring blood pressure for students; if so, of the relevant results in the past three years, together with a breakdown by age; and
(c) it will strengthen civic education to remind parents of the need to maintain a healthy diet for their children?
Reply :
(a) The Department of Health (DH) has reviewed the draft report released by the United Kingdom Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition in November 2002 on its findings and recommendations regarding the possible effect of salt intake on child health. The report concluded that there was limited evidence of salt intake alone in childhood causing high blood pressure in adult life although long-term consumption of high levels of salt was potentially harmful to cardiovascular health. The report further suggested that low salt intake among children was best achieved at the population level through adoption of a balanced diet which was low in fat and salt, but rich in fruit, vegetables and complex carbohydrates. This recommendation is in line with the principles adopted by DH in promoting "healthy eating" among people of all ages. Our approach is therefore to promote balanced dietary intake with consumption of the least amount of salt. Individuals with special conditions should consult doctors or dieticians as appropriate.
(b) The DH runs a comprehensive promotive and preventive programme for all primary and secondary school students through its Student Health Service (SHS). More than 700 000 students enroll in this programme annually. Enrolled students receive free annual health assessments appropriate to their stage of development at the SHS centres. Students found to have health problems will be referred to special assessment centres and specialist clinics for further management. Measurements of blood pressure, among other parameters, are taken for Primary 5 as well as Form 1, 3, 5 and 7 students to follow their normal growth and development. The results of blood pressure measurements for the past three school years are shown in the table. Students with systolic or diastolic blood pressure greater than the 90th percentile are referred to special assessment centres for further assessment.
(c) "Healthy eating" is and will remain a key health promotion theme for DH. Low salt diet and avoidance of processed foods are promoted in its maternal and child health centers. From 1999 to 2001, DH conducted the Healthy Eating Movements in kindergartens, primary and secondary schools to enhance young children's awareness of healthy eating and encourage teachers to promote healthy eating. Less sugar, salt and fat but nutritionally balanced meals based on the food pyramid were advocated. Teaching kits and appropriate audiovisual aids were distributed to schools for adoption and incorporation into teaching programmes. Other means including health talks, workshops, exhibition boards, pamphlets and booklets are used to promote healthy eating and physical activity. In addition to promotion at schools, public education is enhanced through roving exhibitions, mass media and other forms of communication such as DH's health education hotline and website.
The Education Department (ED) seeks to educate parents to promote healthy diet among their children through the following means:
* The ED launched the Parent Education Initiative in August 2001 to subsidise schools, Parent-Teacher Associations and non-profit-making organisations to conduct school-based parent education activities. To date, 18 of the subsidised programmes are related to promoting healthy diet among children.
* The ED works with the Radio Television Hong Kong in producing road show publicity programmes (being broadcast) and radio programmes (broadcast on September 22, 2002) on issues of healthy diets.
* The ED is preparing pamphlets on how to promote healthy diet and healthy living habits in children and expects to distribute them to parents through secondary schools, primary schools and kindergartens in early 2003. The pamphlet and the related powerpoint file will be uploaded to the ED homepage so that parents and the public can have access to the information.
* The contents of education materials being developed for parents of pre-school children also include healthy diet and healthy living habits for children in order to help parents promote healthy diet and healthy living habit to their children at an early stage. The materials will be uploaded to the ED homepage for easy access by parents and the public.
End/Wednesday, December 18, 2002
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