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)