P R E S S   R E L E A S E

        Research at The Chinese University of Hong Kong has shown that lack of physical exercise, sedentary lifestyle and unbalanced diet amongst the Hong Kong people led to an epidemic increase in conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and heart diseases.

        Recent studies at The Chinese University of Hong Kong confirmed that obese children benefited from a 6-week exercise training programme with lowered blood lipid level and improved vascular function, bone mineral density, muscle strength and self-perception.

        Another survey amongst 1513 subjects of working age has shown that regular exercise was associated with 62% risk reduction of having diabetes.  Similar findings have also been reported by a survey amongst 230 siblings of 70 patients with young onset diabetes.  14% of those who exercised had diabetes and diabetic tendency compared to 40% amongst those who did not exercise, representing a 2.8 fold increased risk.

        Regular exercise also prevents bone loss and fractures amongst postmenopausal women in Hong Kong.  During a 12-month study period, the bone loss rate of the tibia amongst the 106 subjects in the exercise group was 2 times slower than the 87 subjects without exercise.

        "Hong Kong people do not have enough exercise. Our staff and students should set a good example to the public."  Professor Sydney Chung Sheung-chee, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine pointed out.

         The 5 km "Fun Run in Autumn" starts at the Prince of Wales Hospital and ends at Lingnan Stadium of Chung Chi College on the University campus. This event is one of the celebratory activities of the 20th Anniversary of Faculty of Medicine and the 50th Anniversary of Chung Chi College, CUHK.  "The Run provides an excellent opportunity for our staff, students and alumni to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Chung Chi College and foster the friendship between us." said Professor Rance Lee Piu-leung, Head of Chung Chi College.

        The Run will start at 6:00 p.m. on 2nd November 2001 at the Postgraduate Education Centre at the Prince of Wales Hospital. Over 160 staff, students and friends of the Faculty, including Dr. Lo Wing-lok, Legislative Councilor and two patients who have recovered from liver transplants are joining the event.