************************************************************
More than 30 private and public housing estates, schools and organisations in Tuen Mun were awarded certificates today (December 10) in recognition of their support towards the '2 plus 3' A Day Fruits and Vegetables Promotion Programme.
Today's award presentation ceremony was the finale of the Promotion Programme jointly organised by the Department of Health (DH) and Hong Kong Red Cross (HKRC) in the district since September this year to promote the concept of consuming at least 2 servings of fruits and 3 servings of vegetable every day.
The Community Physician of DH, Dr C Y Mok, said, ¡§Hong Kong people have a busy life and often choose fast food for their meals, hence increasing the risk of unbalanced diet. We encourage them to maintain health by incorporating the concept of '2 plus 3' into daily practices.
"Fruits and vegetables do not only provide various nutrients to the body, they also help prevent major diseases and health problems, such as hypertension, diabetes, stroke, heart diseases, some cancers and obesity."
To achieve the consumption of 2 servings of fruits and 3 servings of vegetables every day, we can replace snacks with fruits by eating 2 pieces of middle-sized fruits such as oranges and apples. For each meal, we can consume half a bowl of cooked vegetables, or one and a half bowl of raw leafy vegetables, Dr Mok said.
Today's Programme, with a quiz with prizes and a health talk by a DH dietitian, was open to members of the public free of charge.
District-based activities held since September included distribution of '2 plus 3' A Day pamphlets and recipes, exhibition boards display, health talks, a coloring and drawing contest, experience sharing and food diary competitions.
Winning entries of the competitions will be displayed at a two-day exhibition at Chelsea Heights of Tuen Mun on December 11 and 12.
To know more about '2 plus 3' A Day, members of the public may call the 24-hour Health Education Hotline of DH (2833 0111) or visit our '2 plus 3' website at http://2plus3.cheu.gov.hk.
Ends/Saturday, December 10, 2005
Issued at HKT 16:30
NNNN