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The Elderly Health Service of the Department of Health (DH) has published a new Chinese book on degenerative knee disease.
Entitled "Protecting your knees to prevent degenerative knee disease", the book discusses the causes and management of the disease as well as providing practical tips on protection of the knee joint in plain language. A DVD demonstrating exercises and proper posture for knee protection is also enclosed.
The book is available for sale at the Hong Kong Book Fair 2008 starting today (July 23) and later in local bookstores.
The Assistant Director of Health (Family and Elderly Health Services), Dr W M Chan, said that degeneration knee disease was very common in Hong Kong.
"But there are still many myths about its cause, symptoms, treatment and care.
"Whatever your age may be, it is important to acquire skills on proper knee care with a view to keeping your knees healthy and maintain your mobility when you are aged," Dr Chan said.
The emphasis of the book is put on non-pharmacological measures including exercise, lifestyle modification and knee protection technique in managing the disease instead of solely relying on drugs. Drugs are only symptomatic treatment which may lead to side-effects such as internal bleeding.
The book covers areas including different types of treatment for degenerative knee disease, simple methods to achieve pain relief, adverse effect of poor posture, assistive devices, appropriate exercise for people with knee pain, body weight control and tips on selecting proper shoes.
The book is now on sale at $63 and a 20% discount will be offered at the Cosmos Bookshops to holders of Senior Citizen Cards.
It is the fifth publication published by DH's Elderly Health Service. The other four are "Dementia Care: Frequent Asked Questions and Answers", "On Healthy Eating: The Science and Lore of Food and Eating", and "Healthy Recipes Cookbook" in both English and Chinese version.
Ends/Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:01
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