More than half of Shanghai's white-collar workers are experiencing physical and mental health problems, according to a recent Internet survey.

An online portal in Shanghai surveyed more than 2500 office workers from September 1 to 12. About 80 percent of the respondents were between 25 and 40 years old. They answered questions on lifestyle and health issues.

About half of the respondents exhibited health problems, and, according to their answers, only 30 percent were evaluated as healthy.

People who report a reduction in vitality or in their ability to adapt to new conditions but have not been diagnosed with a specific disease are said to be experiencing a subpar health state - on the border between good health and illness, the Website said.

The problem is prevalent among white-collar workers with high education levels due to high pressures from work, bad lifestyle and work habits, poor disease prevention knowledge and lack of health education, experts said.

The website also is providing online health education. Six medical lectures by local experts will take place every Saturday, based on Netizen requests.

The topics include women's diseases, prevention of common diseases, fitness, diet and nutrition and psychological health.

(CRI September 20, 2005)