Less booze, more veggies key to health

Nearly 95 percent of Hong Kong people don't drink alcohol, or aren't considered to be "problem drinkers." And more than 80 percent of residents are non-smokers or have quit smoking for more than 10 years.

But a two-year study of nearly 19,000 people suggests only slightly less than two-thirds of respondents are seen as either very healthy or somewhat healthy - while 36 percent are unhealthy.

The reasons? Nine out of 10 rarely eat green vegetables, only about 30 percent do sufficient exercise, and a further 30 percent are obese.

The survey was conducted by researchers from the University of Hong Kong from 2009 to 2011.

"Each person should consume at least 500 grams of fruits or vegetables every day," said Lam Tai- hing, director of HKU's School of Public Health.

"Interestingly, people eating outside usually order meats rather than vegetables, as they think cooking vegetables at home is much cheaper," Lam said.

"However, the fact is they seldom make vegetable dishes at home. Hongkongers like eating unhealthy buns and cakes at tea time.

"I suggest they replace the buns and cakes with fruits, which can give them a sense of fullness as well," he added.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust funded the university's HK$250 million research project, which also devised a "10-point Healthy Living Index."

The aim of the research was to identify the source of family problems in the long term and to assist the public in determining their health status.

The index allows people to add or subtract points according to aspects of their lifestyle, with the goal of reaching a maximum 10 points. Points are deducted for tobacco use, the harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity.

Nearly 24 percent of respondents scored eight points or above and were classified as very healthy. Thirty-six percent scored five or below and were deemed as unhealthy.

"Smoking has been proven by the World Health Organization to be one of the most significant factors affecting health,"Lam said.

The study defined problem drinking as men consuming the equivalent of at least 12 cans of beer, or 8 glasses of wine; or women drinking 8 cans of beer, or six glasses of wine per week.