Who says only elderly people suffer from heart disease? According to a cardiology specialist, risk factors start in childhood and adolescence.
To raise social awareness of early prevention, 40 pupils from Wong Chuk Hang Catholic Primary School took part in a heart health campaign organised by City University students. The 'Hearty Ambassadors' were taught diet tips, exercise and knowledge of heart structure and heart disease.
'After attending the training, I know that smoking is bad for the heart. My grandpa smokes, so I flushed all his cigarettes down the toilet,' said 11-year-old Ho Yat-chun, showing pride in his quest for health mission.
Apart from smoking, obesity, high cholesterol and lack of exercise are main factors that lead to heart disease.
Chau Kai-tung, chief of service at Grantham Hospital's Paediatric Cardiological Division, advised children and parents to limit salt, avoid fatty food, especially junk food, and to do 30 minutes of aerobic exercises a day, such as dancing or cycling.
Dr Chau said children should go for a check-up if they feel dizzy, strong heartbeats or exhaustion after sports.
