Media

Insufficient physical activity has been shown to be responsible for a staggering 5% of the deaths that occur worldwide and ranks 4^th among the World Health Organization’s top 10 causes of death. It is a key risk factor for many non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. However, while most medical professionals around the world do acknowledge the importance of being physically active for better health, many are reluctant to refer patients to general fitness gyms or trainers.

The University Health Services (UHS) and the Centre for Sports and Exercise (CSE) at the University of Hong Kong have taken the lead among local universities in launching an Exercise is Medicine medical referral programme, where patients in need of more exercise opportunities could be appropriately referred to the professional care and supervision that they need.

This press briefing will focus on the pioneering medical referral programme and results, and six patients with different kinds of illnesses who joined the programme will share their experience and the positive changes to their bodies after getting a dose of exercise.

Details are as follows:
Date: November 7, 2018 (Wednesday)
Time: 11:00 – 12:30pm
Venue: 2/F Active Health Clinic, Stanley Ho Sports Centre, 10 Sha Wan Drive, Sandy Bay, Hong Kong (shuttle bus will be provided from HKU Main campus to the venue)

Shuttle bus arrangement
Shuttle bus location: Pokfulam Road, The University of Hong Kong (HKU MTR A1 exit)
Time: 10:15am

A few car park spaces are available upon prior registration (first-come-first-served).

Programme
11:00 – 11:10am    Presentation by speakers
11:10 – 11:30         Patients’ sharing
11:30 – 12:00        Q&A session
12:00 – 12:30        Demo and photo session at fitness centre

Speakers:
Dr. Michael Tse
Assistant Director, Centre for Sports and Exercise, The University of Hong Kong

Dr. Grace Loy
Physician, University Health Services, The University of Hong Kong

Professor Lin Chia-chin
Director, School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong

Media enquiries:
Communication and Public Affairs Office:
Ms Trinni Choy (Tel: 2859 2606/ Email: pychoy@hku.hk)
Ms Rashida Suffiad (Tel: 2857 8555/ Email: rsuffiad@hku.hk)