Health Info

What is diabetes mellitus? The pancreas produces a hormone known as insulin that controls blood glucose level. When insulin production is insufficient or when insulin does not function properly, glucose cannot be converted into energy we need. This results in increased blood glucose level and the extra glucose will be excreted in urine, a condition …

Do I need an X-ray or MRI for low back pain? Low back pain is very common. According to the World Health Organization, around 90% of cases are non-specific low back pain, meaning no single disease or clear structural injury can fully explain the symptoms. Most acute low back pain improves gradually. Therefore, X-rays, CT …

Does knee pain mean the cartilage has “worn out”? Osteoarthritis of the knee is not only cartilage “wear and tear”. It involves chronic changes of the whole joint. Common symptoms include pain during movement, short morning stiffness, reduced range of motion, and difficulty going up or down stairs or standing up from a chair. For …

How to recognise a stroke? Remember “FAST” A stroke is a medical emergency caused by interrupted blood flow to the brain due to a blocked or ruptured blood vessel. Without blood and oxygen, brain cells can be damaged quickly. Early treatment can improve the chance of preserving brain function. If stroke is suspected, remember FAST: …

Can an older adult still standing after a fall mean there is no fracture? Not necessarily. Hip fractures are common among older adults, especially those with osteoporosis, reduced muscle strength or higher fall risk. Typical symptoms include severe hip or groin pain, the affected leg appearing shortened or externally rotated, and inability to stand or …

Does myocardial infarction always cause severe chest pain? Myocardial infarction, commonly known as a “heart attack”, usually occurs when a blood vessel supplying the heart muscle is suddenly blocked, causing part of the heart muscle to become deprived of blood and damaged. Fatty deposits and blood clots in coronary arteries are common underlying causes. Common …

Heart disease ranks third among the most common fatal diseases in Hong Kong. According to the Hong Kong Department of Health, 6,561 people registered death from coronary heart disease (CHD) in 2020, of which 60% will be due to CHD. "Heart Diseases" refers to a broad spectrum of diseases related to the heart. Among different …

The heart is the core of the body's circulatory system. It supports your life by continuously pumping blood to every organ in your body. If your heart is unable to function properly, your organs will not receive the oxygen and nutrients they need and their function will be greatly affected even resulting in death. For …

Weight management should combine healthy eating with regular physical activity. Regular physical activity helps maintain an optimal body weight and supports healthy bones, muscles, and joints. It also improves cardiopulmonary function and reduces the risk of developing many chronic diseases.   Start with Low-Impact Physical Activities For people carrying extra body weight, it is advisable …

Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. Obesity isn't just a cosmetic concern. It's a medical problem that increases the risk of other diseases and health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and certain cancers. There are many reasons why some people have difficulty …

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is one of the methods for measuring overweight and obesity. It is calculated by dividing the body weight (in kg) by the square of height (in m): kg/m2. For Chinese adults living in Hong Kong, BMI from 23.0 to less than 25.0 kg/m2 is classified as overweight and BMI 25.0 kg/m2 or …

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine defines insomnia as the subjective perception of difficulty with sleep initiation, duration, consolidation, or quality that occurs despite adequate opportunity for sleep, and that results in some form of daytime impairment. DSM-V Diagnostic Criteria for Insomnia Dissatisfaction with sleep quantity or quality, with one or more of the following …

Osteoporosis is a metabolic disease of bone which leads to a reduction in bone density. The affected bones become thinner, and are more likely to break (fractures) which may result in pain and other complications, including loss of independence. What are the symptoms and signs of osteoporosis? Osteoporosis produces no symptoms on its own. If …

In Hong Kong, each year 25% of community dwelling elders suffer from fall. 75% of them get injury include head injury and fracture. Elders who fell in the past six months had shown to have increased risk of fall in near future. Fall is one of the most disabling conditions of the elderly, which will …

Pain can happen in different conditions. There are various kinds of pain. The most prevalent and serious kinds include headache, joint pain, back pain, muscle pain. Stomachache, angina (chest pain), and gout are the examples of common pain. Cancer pain is often seen in cancer patients.   Pain can be classified into acute and chronic stages. Acute pain is mainly caused …

Hand hygiene is the single most important measure of reducing the spread of diseases. Members of the public are advised to clean hands with liquid soap and water when they are visibly soiled or likely contaminated with blood and body fluid. When hands are not visibly soiled, they could be cleaned with 70-80% alcohol-based handrub. …

Mental well-being can take many different forms, but a common description is feeling good and functioning well. Mental health is an integral part of the whole person. A healthy mind helps us face challenges, solve problems, achieve goals and enjoy life more. A person with a healthy mind is also less vulnerable to certain health …

Receiving a Seasonal Influenza Vaccine (SIV) before the influenza season is one of the most important steps to protect yourself, your family, and the community. Seasonal influenza is a common but potentially serious respiratory infection that can cause symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches, and fatigue. These symptoms can affect …

Centre Introduction: Focus on Nutritional Needs from the Start of Pregnancy Pregnancy is a remarkable journey of nurturing new life. As the baby develops at different stages, the mother’s energy and nutrient needs also change. The key is to choose nutritious foods rather than simply eating more, so both mother and baby can stay healthy. …

Island District Health Centre provides prevention based women’s health services for women aged 18–64, including: 1. Women’s Health – Nurse Led Clinic Registered nurses provide one to one assessment and consultation services under a co payment model, including: Comprehensive health risk factor assessment Personalized health management and lifestyle modification Women’s health support and counselling Referral …

Do you experience any bodily discomfort recently? Have you paid any attention to them? Do you know that various kinds of cancer and coronary heart disease are more common in men than in women? Many serious diseases can be completely cured if they are diagnosed early. You are strongly recommended to consult your doctor early …

Hepatitis B can have a long-term impact on liver health. Without timely follow-up, it may increase the risk of serious complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Starting from March 2026, Islands DHC Express launched the Chronic Disease Co-Care Scheme (Hepatitis B Screening) to provide screening and treatment support for higher-risk individuals, helping them understand …

A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. For people who have cataracts, seeing through cloudy lenses is a bit like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. Clouded vision caused by cataracts can make it more difficult to read, drive a car (especially at night) or see the expression …