Hong Kong Assistant Director of Health Regina Ching says according to a local study conducted in April 2006, only 45 percent of respondents aged 18 to 64 do moderate physical activities for at least 10 minutes a day.

However, she added that evidence shows that 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day is good for health and can prevent a number of chronic health problems.

She gave the remarks at the introductory session of a certificate training course for doctors on the prescription of exercise to patients.

An exercise prescription is a piece of written, specific and personalized advice given by the doctor to her or his client on why, what, how, where and how much exercise is needed to improve health.

Dr Ching said lack of physical activity has been shown to increase the chance of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, some cancers and many other chronic health problems.

Examples of moderate physical activity include brisk walking, stair climbing, running, swimming, cycling, dancing, ballgames, gardening and even doing housework that involves regular contraction and relaxation of large muscle groups.

Good exercises should be simple to do, easy to access, fun and safe.

(Xinhua News Agency January 22, 2007)