Professor Derek Cheung Yee-tak, Assistant Professor at HKU School of Nursing expressed concerns about the increasing use of electronic cigarettes, drug abuse and shisha smoking among young individuals in a press conference. He emphasised, “We urge the government to expedite the prohibition on possessing electronic cigarettes to safeguard the health of our youth, ideally by the first quarter of 2025.” Parents and educators are worried about drugs being mixed into the flavouring of electronic cigarettes, which are highly addictive and harmful to health. In 2023, statistics showed that the e-cigarette smoking rate among secondary school students in Hong Kong reached 1.1%, significantly higher than the 0.2% among adults, indicating a greater appeal of electronic cigarettes to the younger population. Professor Cheung added, “A health survey on primary and secondary students in Hong Kong found that there is a strong smoking intention and nicotine addiction among adolescents who smoke electronic cigarettes.” Shisha smoke contains higher levels of nicotine, carbon monoxide, and carcinogens compared to traditional cigarettes, with secondhand shisha smoke containing nine times higher carbon monoxide and 30 times higher levels of carcinogens than traditional secondhand cigarette smoke, leading to potential long-term neurological effects. As students are influenced by family and peer pressure, Professor Cheung recommended enhancing educational efforts within schools as schools play a significant role in shaping students’ behaviours and choices.

(hk.on.cc, hkcd.com.hk – December 14, 2024; Hong Kong Commercial Daily, Sing Pao – December 15, 2024)

In a recent television programme, Professor Kris Lok Yuet-wan, Assistant Professor at the HKU School of Nursing, mentioned the challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers and the support needed to promote exclusive breastfeeding. The HKU School of Nursing team is conducting interviews with breastfeeding moms to assess their support requirements and Nursing students are conducting fieldwork across Hong Kong to gather data, including taking photos of breastfeeding facilities. Ever since the launch of the 'Breastfeeding GPS' search app in September 2022, it has garnered 13,000 users. Professor Lok, who is a breastfeeding mother herself, highlighted the lack of support in Hong Kong. She noted that the app has led to societal improvements, such as the availability of proper nursery room in malls with necessary equipment and more spacious areas for mothers with infants.

For full version of the programme, please visit:
Link

(Now News “Now Report” – November 4, 2024)

Personalised CARdiovascular DIsease risk Assessment for Chinese (P-CARDIAC) model is an AI-powered risk prediction tool specifically designed to predict the risk of developing cardiovascular disease in Chinese individuals, which is the first of its kind in Hong Kong. Professor Celine Chui Sze-ling, Assistant Professor at the School of Nursing and School of Public Health of HKUMed and her multidisciplinary research team will lead the HEARTWISE study utlising this innovative P-CARDIAC model to evaluate its effectiveness, focusing on its application in secondary care for cardiovascular patients.

The HEARTWISE study aims to recruit 3,000 patients aged 18 to 80 from six public hospitals, hoping the findings can improve cardiovascular disease risk assessment, enhance primary and secondary prevention strategies, promote personalised healthcare, and lead to improved use of medication.

A pilot study conducted in a District Health Centre setting of 20 patients with 15 attending follow-up visits showed preliminary results of 80 per cent of patients reported having a better understanding of their risk profile thanks to the tool, leading to improved use of medication.

Professor Chui said, “The pilot study represents a significant step towards enhancing community-based healthcare services in the region, with the ultimate goal is to alleviate the healthcare burden and reduce public health costs associated with chronic disease management.” She added, “Applying the ‘predict and prevent’ approach in cardiovascular disease management could reduce the mortality rate by 25 per cent.” She hoped the AI-powered tool could be used in all Hong Kong public hospitals as early as 2028.

(RTHK English news, scmp.com, TVB.com, Now.com, i-Cable, RTHK, 881903.com, Metroradio, Ming Pao, ON.CC, Sing Tao Daily Web, Headline Daily Web, Wenweipo Web, HKCD, topick.hket.com, HK01, bastillepost.com, Hong Kong China News Agency, South China Morning Post, The Standard, Ming Pao Daily News, Oriental Daily News, Sing Tao Daily, Hon Kong Economic Times, Sing Pao, Ta Kung Pao, Wen Wei Po, am730 – September 22, 2024; The Times, Life News Agency – September 23, 2024; The Express, RTHK《千禧年代》– September 25, 2024; The Chronicle – September 26, 2024; MIMS.com – October 3, 2024; RTHK《精靈一點 》– November 11, 2024)

World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) is observed annually between August 1 and 7. This year's theme is “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All”, which aims to encourage collaboration among people from different sectors to eliminate factors that hinder breastfeeding and support mothers in sustaining it.

Professor Kris Lok, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing of The University of Hong Kong mentioned in a TV news feature, “Breastfeeding allows mothers to continue providing essential nutrition to their babies, which supports stronger immunization, body and brain growth. Additionally, breastfeeding aids in the recovery of mothers after giving birth, helping them regain their pre-pregnancy weight and reducing the risk of cancer and osteoporosis. Moreover, breastfeeding strengthens the bond between mother and baby.” World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding with appropriate complementary foods for up to 2 years or beyond. Professor Lok added, “Mothers can prepare for breastfeeding by researching information and tips, attending breastfeeding seminars, and seeking guidance from healthcare professionals in advance. We encourage early initiation of breastfeeding, frequent breastfeeding, and proper breastfeeding techniques to ensure the best outcome for both mother and baby.”

For full version of the programme, please visit:
Link

(RTHK TV《凝聚香港》 – August 2, 2024)

Professor Jay Lee, Assistant Professor at HKU School of Nursing, announced some ‘alarming’ findings regarding air quality at shisha bars. On weekends, the concentration of PM2.5 particles could reach as much as 2,300 micrograms per cubic metre of air in some shisha bars in the city. According to the World Health Organization, the guidelines for safe exposure to PM2.5 particles are an average of 5mcg/cubic metre annually and an average of 15mcg/cubic metre for 24 hours. He urges the government to impose more control on flavoured tobacco products.

For the details of the article, please visit:
Link

(SCMP – July 13, 2024)

Dr Kevin Luk, Research Assistant Professor at HKU School of Nursing and Project Director of Youth Quitline, mentioned in a radio news feature regarding the health risks of waterpipe smoking, “Waterpipe contains a large number of toxic substances, including nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide and other carcinogens. Smoking waterpipe can cause a variety of cardiovascular diseases and cancers. The amount of smoke inhaled by smoking waterpipe for one hour is equivalent to smoking 100 to 200 traditional cigarettes. The amount of nicotine, tar and carbon monoxide ingested is also several times to dozens of times that of smoking traditional cigarettes. The water in the waterpipe device is only used to lower the temperature of the smoke and increase the moisture content, making the smoke easier to smoke. It cannot filter harmful substances in the smoke.” Dr Luk added that a significant proportion of waterpipe smokers are young smokers, most of them are smoking flavoured waterpipe and consuming other tobacco products also. He strongly supported the government’s decision to ban the use of flavoured waterpipe and tobacco products in both indoor and outdoor settings, as well as promoting public education on the harms of these tobacco products, ultimately to achieve “Smoke-free Hong Kong”.

For full version of the programme, please visit:
Link

(RTHK【自由風自由 PHONE】– July 4, 2024)

On June 6, the government proposed ten tobacco-control measures, including expanding statutory non-smoking areas to the entrances and exits of childcare centres, schools, residential care homes for the elderly, and public healthcare facilities, etc.

Professor Kelvin Wang from the School commented that he is confident that Hong Kong will be able to hit its target of lowering the smoking rate to 7.8% by the end of 2025. He emphasised that it is the tobacco companies using nicotine to deprive people of the freedom to participate in healthy activities but not the tobacco control measures. He commented that the smoking control measures would not affect local tourism. He suggested that the government can significantly increase tobacco taxes, proactively contact smokers to provide short-term smoking cessation services and make referrals to the Hospital Authority, The University of Hong Kong and other institutions to help quit smoking.

(CRHK 《政好星期天》, Ming Pao online news, Sing Tao Daily news, On.cc, hkcna.hk – June 16 2024; The Standard, Oriental Daily News – June 17, 2024)

Professor Kelvin Wang, Professor at HKU School of Nursing and a member of the Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health (COSH), mentioned in a TV news feature regarding the illegal sale of smokeless tobacco products, “Chewing smokeless tobacco products carries a certain risk of cancer. There are many blood vessels in the oral cavity, nicotine can be absorbed directly into the blood when chewing these smokeless tobacco products. These products are harmful and cause a high risk of oral cancer, esophageal cancer, and pancreatic cancer.” He further commented, “The saying of consuming dry snuff by sniffing or inhaling the powder up the nose is not addictive is a false claim because there are more blood vessels in the nose that carry nicotine to the brain quickly, making it more addictive.”

For full version of the programme, please visit:
Link

(TVB news –《新聞透視》, TVB.com – June 8, 2024)

A research team led by Dr Naomi Takemura, Research Assistant Professor, and supervised by Professor Chia-Chin Lin, Professor and Director, both from HKU School of Nursing, found positive effects of Tai Chi and aerobic exercise on sleep quality in patients with advanced lung cancer.

The research was conducted between 2018 to 2022, 226 patients with advanced lung cancer were recruited. They were randomly assigned to Tai Chi, aerobic exercise, or a self-management control group. Assessments were conducted before the intervention classes, at the end of the 16-week intervention, and at week 52.

The results revealed that both the Tai Chi and aerobic exercise groups can effectively improve sleep quality, mental health, physical function and circadian rhythm of patients. Among these groups, the Tai Chi group has greater effects on patients' sleep quality, fatigue reduction and balance ability than aerobic exercise. At the same time, the risk of death in the Tai Chi group was significantly reduced by 65% compared with the control group, indicating that Tai Chi has the potential to improve the survival chances of patients with advanced lung cancer.

Dr Naomi Takemura said, “Tai Chi’s emphasis on the mind-body connection offers a holistic approach that goes beyond physical exercise alone.” This study opens up a new approach to supportive care in cancer management and highlights the importance of a multi-dimensional approach to address cancer symptoms. By incorporating Tai Chi into the treatment plan, it can reduce patients' symptoms in a safe, affordable, and potentially effective approach.

The Committee on the Promotion of Breastfeeding held its 9th meeting recently. During the meeting, the Department of Health survey data showed that there was a drop in breastfeeding rates in 2020 and 2022. However, the survey also revealed that the breastfeeding rate on hospital discharge reached 85% in 2022, marking a significant increase compared to 55% recorded in 2000, and the rate of exclusive breastfeeding till 4 months of age rose from 8% to 22%. Professor Kris Lok, Assistant Professor, HKU School of Nursing, commented in a radio news programme, “The slight drop in breastfeeding rates was likely due to anti-Covid measures and a lack of support for nursing mothers. Statistics showed that mothers who return to full-time work were twice as likely to stop breastfeeding within the first year. But the continue increase in breastfeeding rate on hospital discharge is encouraging. We are happy to see support from different sectors of society, including baby-friendly initiatives in the public sector, other workplaces and public areas, to create a supportive culture of breastfeeding. In 2020, our School launched a Breastfeeding GPS app to help mothers locate nearby nursery rooms. The app has identified over 600 breastfeeding spots in the city, including restaurants, shopping malls and government facilities. We will continue to strengthen more publicity and provide support to private hospitals on breastfeeding, ultimately to achieve a breastfeeding-friendly environment.”

The World Health Organization identified antimicrobial resistance as one of the top ten global public health threats facing mankind in 2019. As the number of infections that conventional antibacterial drugs fail to treat effectively increases, multi-drug-resistant bacteria (also known as "superbugs") are spreading rapidly worldwide. Professor Celine Chui, Assistant Professor of HKU School of Nursing mentioned in a news documentary TV programme produced by RTHK that ‘Antimicrobial resistance will get more severe if antibiotics are abused. We encourage the safe use of antibiotics. When antibiotics lose their potency, there will be fewer or even no drugs that work for patients, therefore threatening global health in the long term.’

For details of the programme, please visit:
Link

In a recent radio interview, Professor Derek Cheung Yee-tak, Assistant Professor from HKU School of Nursing, discussed proposals to increase tobacco tax. Professor Cheung mentioned that research suggests that the proposed tobacco tax increase could result in 28,000 smokers quitting and prevent over 9,350 premature deaths in the future. Professor Cheung emphasised the importance of easy access to resources for successful smoking cessation in Hong Kong, such as affordable and accessible behavioural treatment, consultation, and medication services provided by the government. Support from family and friends, as well as government measures and environmental policies, are also crucial. Research has shown that increasing the tobacco tax serves as a motivating factor for quitting smoking.

Professor Derek Cheung Yee-tak, Assistant Professor from HKU School of Nursing mentioned some new strategies for smoking cessation in a radio interview recently. Professor Cheung said, ‘Study showed that there is a correlation between alcohol consumption and smoking. Therefore, controlling alcohol intake during smoking cessation is encouraged.’ It is suggested that controlling alcohol intake is an essential component when designing an effective smoking cessation plan. After a screening process, a counselling nurse then develops a personalised smoking cessation plan for a smoker based on the available data. A discussion between a counselling nurse and a smoker is recommended when drafting the smoking cessation plan. By doing so, the smoker is more aware of controlling alcohol intake and, in turn, reducing smoking frequency. In some cases, instant messages or reminders and other smoking cessation aids can be suggested, for example, nicotine patches and medication, to enhance the effectiveness of smoking cessation.

HKU School of Nursing conducted a study on "Improving the Effectiveness of Smoking Cessation through Alcohol Consumption Control" to examine the effectiveness of controlling alcohol consumption in smoking cessation treatment. The study found that setting personalised alcohol consumption control goals and regularly explaining the dangers of alcohol and the importance of controlling alcohol intake during smoking cessation via WhatsApp on a weekly basis can effectively reduce smoking rates and alcohol intake. In addition, it was found that decreasing the co-use of both tobacco and alcohol at the same time can subsequently improve the smoking cessation rate.

A survey conducted by HKU on Parkinson's disease with 334 participants aged 18 or above showed that motor symptoms related to body movements, such as tremors (90%), shuffling gait (77%) and slowness (75%), were recognised most often by those surveyed. However, less than 30% of those surveyed could identify pre-motor symptoms, such as loss of smell or taste (13%); depression or anxiety (24%); constipation (15%); and acting out dreams during sleep (17%), which may appear 10-20 years before the motor symptoms.

Dr Jojo Kwok, Assistant Professor at HKU School of Nursing expressed that, ‘Many people are unaware of the pre-motor symptoms. If pre-motor symptoms can be noticed in an early stage and seek appropriate medical evaluation, patients can then receive relevant treatment and care promptly. Currently, the understanding of Parkinson’s disease by the public is poor. There is a need to raise public awareness of the disease and risk management.’ Dr Kwok is the Co-project Director of implementing “Jockey Club Movin’ Care for Parkinson's Disease Project”, funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. The project aims to establish a comprehensive and sustainable community care service model for the community affected by Parkinson’s disease. It promotes early awareness of the risks of disease, early diagnosis and rehabilitation, and early care of physical and mental well-being. It also focuses on community engagement to raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease in the community.

Professor Sophia Chan Siu-chee from the School of Nursing of The University of Hong Kong welcomed the Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Scheme which was announced recently by the Health Bureau. She expressed that, ‘The plan is one of the important projects in the "Primary Healthcare Blueprint". It can improve the health of the citizens and bring long-term benefits to the medical system. Hong Kong is facing the challenges of an ageing population and an increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases. The treatment and management of chronic diseases are fundamental.’ She pointed out that the pilot plan has three major focuses, prevention, community-oriented and family-centered; it aims to improve the overall health status of the public, provide more convenient and consistent medical services, and establish a sustainable primary medical system. By participating in the plan, more professional and comprehensive medical care can be received, and to attend regular health examinations and risk assessments.

The Public Consultation on Tobacco Control Strategies was ended last month. Former Secretary for Food and Health Professor Sophia Chan Siu-chee suggested to increase the tobacco tax to 75% of the retail price next year and to be increased every year. The target should be increased to 80% of the retail price as to achieve ‘Smoke-free Hong Kong’. Professor Chan, currently the Professor for the School of Nursing of The University of Hong Kong commented, ‘The smoking rate of Hong Kong has dropped from 23.3% to single digits in the past 30 years. We must not delay. I recalled that I have thought about to set a goal for total ban of smoking in 2030 or 2035 when I was the Secretary for Food and Health.’ She expressed that smoking is not a personal choice but involves social interests. It brings consequences for health and at the end overloads the medical system. The Public Consultation document recommends incorporating smoking cessation support into basic medical training. Professor Chan suggested to strengthen basic training on smoking cessation in medical, nursing and Chinese medicine courses.

Professor Chan added different smoking products contain nicotine are also harmful to health. She does not agree to the ‘harm reduction’ policy in Sweden, that is, taking alternative smoking products. However, other local measures in Sweden, such as extending no-smoking zones to cover most public places and increase tobacco taxes can be our good reference.

In recent years, breastfeeding has been recognised as favourable to babies. However, mothers may encounter difficulties while breastfeeding. Dr Kris Lok, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing of The University of Hong Kong said, ‘Daddies play an essential role in breastfeeding. They can show their support by accompanying mommies for follow-up consultations and learning about the benefits of breastfeeding before delivery. After birth, daddies can initiate taking care of the babies and give mothers more rest time. This is a strong support for breastfeeding.’

Dr Lok mentioned that the School of Nursing of The University of Hong Kong launched a mobile app ‘Breastfeeding GPS’ in 2020, which records more than 600 breastfeeding-friendly facilities and places in Hong Kong. The information is updated continuously. This app also includes a ‘nursing log’, which allows mothers to record the time of feeding, diaper change, sleeping pattern and others to illustrate the growth of the baby. Caregivers are welcome to download this app to assist mothers and support breastfeeding.

Professor Kelvin Wang Man-ping from the tobacco control research team of the Schools of Nursing emphasised his recommendations on tobacco control in media. He encouraged the public to express their views in the government’s Public Consultation on Tobacco Control Strategies. Professor Wang said, ‘Government policies on tobacco control are crucial to end the harm of smoking. Enlarging the smoking prohibited areas, raising tobacco tax significantly, and regulating displays and additives of tobacco products are proven to be effective in reducing smoking and the harm of tobacco. Research from our School showed that a majority of the public supported banning people who were born in a certain year from buying tobacco products to protect the next generation. Let us work together in building a new generation of smoke-free Hong Kong.’

Members of the School of Public Health and School of Nursing of The University of Hong Kong have been working tirelessly in all aspects to protect the health of Hong Kong citizens. Pioneering smoking cessation research and actively promoting the bill on banning e-cigarettes and heated cigarettes, the team of smoking cessation researchers at The University of Hong Kong successfully influenced the passing of the Smoking (Public Health) (Amendment) Bill 2019 to complete ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes and heated cigarettes in Hong Kong.

In response to the HK Government’s ‘Vibrant, Healthy and Tobacco-free Hong Kong’ Public Consultation on Tobacco Control Strategies, the Smoking Cessation Team of the School of Nursing, led by Professor Sophia Chan Siu-chee and Professor Kelvin Wang Man-ping, engaged in media interviews to support the government’s target of lowering the smoking rate from current 9.5 percent to 7.8 percent by 2025, though admitted that it would be difficult to achieve this in less than three years.

Professor Chan, who is now project director of the University of Hong Kong’s Primary Health Care Academy said increasing the tobacco tax will help people quit smoking and said the government could expand smoke-free areas to protect non-smokers.

Recently, Professor Kelvin Wang, Professor of the School of Nursing, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong attended a press conference on a smoking cessation campaign for front-line staff funded by Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office. Professor Wang, responsible for the research on the campaign effectiveness expressed that, “The research was to follow up with 777 smoking employees who participated in smoking cessation counselling services. Two types of smoking cessation counselling services were conducted, one including profession-specific health lectures and personalized WhatsApp communications; the other was profession-specific health lectures and regular SMS alerts. Both groups received free nicotine replacement therapy, phone counselling service and leaflets. The research started in January 2021 and was completed in June 2023, the overall program successfully assisted smokers to quit and reduced the smoking rate by 44%.”

Also attending the press conference, Professor TH Lam, Emeritus Professor of School of Public Heath, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong added, “If an employee wants to quit smoking successfully, it is affected by many factors. Other than additional counseling channels, the support of the employer and colleagues are also essential.”

Some scholars pointed out that nicotine in cigarettes is addictive. Smokers experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia if they suddenly quit nicotine. Nicotine gum contains a small amount of nicotine that helps smokers to quit smoking step-by-step.

Professor Kelvin Wang Man-ping, Professor and Director of Doctor of Nursing Programme, School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong said, “Nicotine gum or patch can maintain blood nicotine level of smokers trying to quit smoking as they can be gradually reduced. Determination is most important in quitting smoking whether immediately or slowly.” He added, “If you experience discomfort or withdrawal symptoms during the quitting process, you may approach smoking cessation clinics to seek nicotine replacement therapy to help yourself work through those few days. Afterwards, there will be a bigger chance to success.”

As nicotine can cause vasoconstriction, Professor Wang commented that people with heart disease and teenagers are not suitable for nicotine gum. Moreover, other than traditional cigarettes, smoking electronic cigarettes is also harmful to the human body. The substance released in electronic cigarettes may cause cancer. Professor Wang supports the government’s advocacy for the restriction of possession of electronic cigarettes.

  

Professor Tai-chu Peng, Professor & Director of Department of Nursing, Tzu Chi University and Professor Chia-Chin Lin, Head of School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong signed a Student Exchange Agreement (SEA) on cooperation and exchange between the two schools. The SEA marks the exchange of strengths and experiences of each other.

Professor Chia-Chin Lin said, “Tzu Chi University emphasized medical humanities. We had discussed cooperation and exchange but all were postponed due to the epidemic. We are grateful that the agreement can be implemented now. We will start with short-term student exchange and academic activities communications and explore new collaboration.”

Professor Tai-chu Peng believes that Tzu Chi University can learn from the internationalisation of The University of Hong Kong. She looks forward to seeing more collaborations and exchanges between teachers and students with the international community.

The Financial Secretary announced the increase of tobacco tax by about 30% in the 2023-2023 Budget.

Professor Sophia Chan Siu-chee comments, ‘Raising tobacco tax is the single most effective measure, which can motivate smokers to quit smoking, preventing relapse among those who recently quit, and deterring youth from smoking initiation. The measure could also reduce healthcare expenditure and productivity loss associated with tobacco use, thereby promoting the sustainable development of public healthcare.’

The Smoking Cessation Research Team at the School of Nursing, HKUMed, has long been generating research evidence and at the forefront of advocating tobacco control policies, including raising tobacco tax. It will continue to generate more research evidence in tobacco control including reducing secondhand smoke exposure among children and the public, as well as other tobacco control policy advocacy.

  
 

The School of Nursing, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong (HKUMed), in collaboration with Sino Group and the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation and charitable organisations and NGOs, announced the launch of the two-year “Generations Connect” Project to bring young people together with the older adults in an initiative that will see nursing students providing community intervention and behavioural coaching. Integrated with the concept of e-health literacy, the Project aims to enhance the physical, psychosocial and mental wellbeing of the older adults amid the epidemic. The Project is supported by Sino Group and the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation. With the target of serving 10,000 elderly people, the Project will commence in November this year with its first phase of pilot services.

Professor Sophia Chan Siu-chee, the School of Nursing of HKUMed, said, ‘The young nursing students are dynamic and radiant, and ready to unleash their creativity as they design effective means of communication with the elderly under this programme, which blends curriculum teaching and research. In so doing, the students may contribute not only to building closer ties across generations, but also promoting the physical and mental health of the elderly.’

 
 

Dr Kelvin Wang, Associate Professor of HKU School of Nursing, was interviewed on the Now News programme "經緯線" in response to the latest record of the lowest smoking rate in traditional cigarettes in Hong Kong. However, the usage of vapers among teenagers is surging.

He indicated that many reasons lead teenagers to smoke, and it is crucial to know the reasons for smoking to provide a suitable smoking cessation plan. The 16-year HKU Youth Quitline, established by the School of Nursing, has trained more than 500 peer counsellors. Through telephone consultation, these counsellors advise teenagers aged 25 or below to quit smoking. More than 3,200 smokers have used this service, and around 25% stopped smoking.

(Now News – July 10, 2022)

 
 
 
 

At the Breastfeeding Friendly Community Initiative Award Ceremony on May 30, corporates were presented with excellence awards for their substantial efforts in cultivating a breastfeeding-friendly culture. At the Ceremony, the 2nd Phase of the “BreastfeedingGPS” App was also launched.

The project leader Dr Kris Lok, Assistant Professor of the HKU School of Nursing, pointed out that the App has been downloaded over 6,500 times and searched 58 thousand times since its launch in September 2020. It once ranked no.3 on the Hong Kong App Store.

Promoting a friendly attitude towards breastfeeding in the community is also essential. The School has trained 1,392 staff in 107 public facilities to facilitate correct information on breastfeeding as of May 2022. Nearly 90% of the participants said they felt more confident in supporting breastfeeding mothers after the training, and about 60% said the programme could significantly increase their knowledge and supportive attitude towards breastfeeding.

(Yahoo News, Sky Post, TOPick, HK01, Ming Pao, On.cc Instant News, ODN – June 1, 2022; HKSAR Government Press Release, HKET – June 2, 2022)

 

At a press briefing organised by School of Nursing, School of Public Health, Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, the first Personalized Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment for Chinese (P-CARDIAC) was launched. It is the first artificial intelligence (AI) cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease risk score specifically for Chinese, and the first in-depth prediction model of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) risk in Hong Kong.

Dr Celine Chui, Assistant Professor of School of Nursing and School of Public Health, indicated that the CVD risk in the general public in Hong Kong can be more accurately predicted using P-CARDIAC. Interventional treatment can be carried out targeting to reduce the risk of premature death caused by CVD in Hong Kong by 25%.

At the press briefing, a mobile application for patients to manage CVD risk developed by Department of Medicine (Cardiology), The University of Hong Kong was also launched.

(On.cc, Headline Daily Online, Sky Post Online, Sing Tao Daily, Oriental Daily, am730 – April 01, 2022; Metro Daily – April 28, 2022; www.dotdotnews.com – May 10, 2022; Ming Pao, Line Today Hong Kong – May 16, 2022; IMoney Issue 761 – May 21, 2022, Sing Pao, TOPick.hket.com – May 23, 2022)

 
 

As the latest outbreak of COVID-19 grips Hong Kong, HKUMed have stepped up to ease the burden on the healthcare system. Since February 2022, our teachers and students have been taking care of elderly COVID-19 patients at the Choi Wing Road Temporary Care Centre.

The Choi Wing Road Temporary Care Centre, set up by the Social Welfare Department of the HKSAR Government at the Choi Wing Road Sports Centre, provides 150 beds for elderly patients from the Hospital Authority, who are waiting for admission or require care while recovering from COVID-19.

The teachers and students are responsible for clinical assessment and patient care. Our Year 5 nursing students at the press briefing expressed their dedication to help the overwhelming healthcare system; to put knowledge into practice by taking care of the patients in needs; and to contribute to the effort in fighting the pandemic.

A temporary care centre would be set up at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in a week time, which would provide 1,000 beds. Medical and nursing teachers and students from HKUMed would also render their support at this centre.

(881903.com, dotdotnews.com, HK01, HKTKWW, Line Today Indonesia, Now News, Oriental Daily News, on.cc, RTHK Instant News, TOPick.hket.com, Wen Wei Po, Yahoo News – February 25, 2022; CRNTT.com, mingpaoCanada.com, news.mingpao.com, Now News, Oriental Daily News, Wen Wei Po – February 26, 2022)