The value of Hong Kong’s total exports decreased to $284.1 billion in February, down 0.8% on the same month last year, the Census & Statistics Department announced today. The value of imports of goods fell 1.8% to $325.7 billion for the same period. A trade deficit of $41.7 billion, or 12.8% of the value of imports, was recorded in February. Comparing the three-month period ending February with the preceding three months on a seasonally adjusted basis, the value of exports rose 5.5%, while that of imports also increased 3.3%. The Government noted that taking the first two months of the year together to remove the volatility caused by the difference in timing of the Lunar New Year, the value of exports posted a 16.6% growth against a very low base of comparison a year ago. Exports to the Mainland and the US rose notably, while those to the European Union fell. Those to other major Asian markets recorded a mixed performance. Looking ahead, the Gove
In support of World Hypertension Day on May 17, the Department of Health encouraged people to be aware of and monitor their blood pressure regularly to fight against hypertension and other non-communicable diseases.
According to the World Health Organization, one in four men and one in five women worldwide have hypertension.
The department's Population Health Survey 2014-15 revealed that the prevalence of hypertension for Hong Kong people aged between 15 and 84 was 27.7%.
About half of them were unaware of their own condition but were found to have high blood pressure during the survey.
Hypertension is a prominent risk factor for severe COVID-19-related illness and death, the department emphasised.
There are reports showing that COVID-19 patients with hypertension were more likely to become seriously ill or die from the disease compared with those without hypertension.
Unless with contraindications, individuals with hypertension under stable control are encouraged to receive a COVID-19 vaccination for protection against the virus.
The department noted that maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure.
People are advised to choose food low in salt, sugar and fat, and consume at least two servings of fruit and three servings of vegetables a day.
Healthy adults should consume less than two grams of sodium per day and engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activities or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activities every week.
The department also reminded those with hypertension to take medication as directed by a doctor and have regular medical follow-ups.
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