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Soccer fans are reminded to stay health-conscious while watching World Cup games, which kick off tomorrow.
A spokesman for the Department of Health said today (June 8) that even though delicious snacks such as potato chips and fried food as well as alcoholic beverages could add festivity to the World Cup, it is important to maintain healthy eating, avoid tobacco or excessive alcohol, and get enough sleep.
"Insufficient sleep can lower your immunity and make you prone to illnesses. It will also affect your work performance and subject you to higher risks of accidents and injury," he said.
The following are some tips for soccer fans to keep healthy while watching this international event:
Snack smartly:
* Snack only when you are hungry. Do not snack for the sake of snacking.
* Avoid fatty and sugary snacks such as potato chips, candy bars and buttered popcorn.
* Choose items such as fresh/dried fruits/vegetables/vegetable juices without added sugar.
* Drink plenty of water or plain tea (without added sugar).
Drink sensibly:
* Avoid excessive alcohol. Drinking large quantities of alcohol is harmful to health. Know your drink and its alcohol level.
* Sip your drink slowly and do not gulp. Don't get into rounds.
* Never drink and drive. Use public transport.
* Have a trusted person bring you home if you should become drunk.
Stay away from tobacco:
* Both active and passive smoking are hazardous to your health.
* Offer co-watchers some healthy snacks and drinks if they are about to light a cigarette.
Don't forget:
* Ensure good ventilation of the venue.
* Stretch and move around while watching the matches.
* Sit properly while watching the soccer match to avoid muscle aches afterwards.
* Make sure you have enough sleep. Insufficient sleep can lower your immunity and make you more prone to illnesses; affect your working performance and may make you prone to accidents and injury.
* Watching soccer matches is not enough. Do some exercise yourself.
* Strike a balance between watching matches and fulfilling your social commitments.
Members of the public can call the health education hotline 2833 0111 or visit the Central Health Education Unit's website http://www.cheu.gov.hk for related information.
Ends/Thursday, June 8, 2006
Issued at HKT 11:04
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