SCOPH Extravaganza

Public health promotion in Hong Kong has traditionally focused on prevention of infectious diseases. Only recently has the importance of a healthy diet been given more attention, yet the problem of salt over-consumption in our society remains largely ignored.

CUHK boys and beautifully-designed flyers - one wonders which of these accounted for the many porpors at our workshop

To raise awareness of the general public on the complications of salt over-consumption and to educate them on how to manage their daily salt intake, an interactive public workshop was held by AMSAHK’s Standing Committee on Public Health (SCOPH) in Shatin Town Hall on June 28th 2008.

A result of the collaboration between 50 medical students from both CUHK and HKU, the SCOPH extravaganza incorporated a variety of diverse elements. Visitors did not hesitate to ask questions to our student demonstrators as they surveyed our exhibition and poster displays, taking particular interest in our clarifications on ‘salt myths’ – common misconceptions relevant to the theme.  Health talks given by professional guest speakers were very well-received, and the audience learnt a great deal.

Audience at one of the three health talks held that day	Health checks included blood glucose measurement
Children, parents and grandparents at game booths	One of our doctors-to-be measuring blood pressure

We were careful to organize different activities to accommodate the wide age-range of our visitors. There was a constantly large crowd of children around our game stalls and photo-taking area, though it is probably safe to say the parents and grandparents were equally amused.  On the other side of the hall, we had many elderly visitors who were very enthusiastic to receive complimentary health checks and consultations by medical students in their white coats.

In addition to knowledge on salt and sugar, and their effects on health, the 1500 visitors also took away with them magnificently designed souvenirs and goodie-bags, which were printed with important take-home messages.

Through this successful workshop, we were able to correct the public's insight on the effects of salt and sugar on the body, raise awareness on the complications of improper consumption, as well as educate citizens on ways to manage daily intake.

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