【🌍 World Health Day | BE STROKE SMART! 2026 】

In response to 🌍 World Health Day, we @hkumed @hkustroke organized this special event last Sunday (April 19th), providing free health screenings for approximately 200 occupational drivers. This is also a key part of the "18-District Health Community Project", a collaborative effort between the HKUMed, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, and the District Services and Community Care Teams.

Led by Dr. Gary Lau, Director of HKU Stroke and Clinical Associate Professor of Department of Medicine at HKU, the event shared knowledge on stroke prevention and management 🧠 with the drivers. Additionally, a team of "Health Ambassadors" composed of medical, Food and Nutrition Science students, and secondary school students provided blood pressure, blood sugar, blood lipid, and atrial fibrillation screenings, stroke risk assessments, and health consultations 🩺.

The health risks associated with long hours of driving 🚗, lack of exercise 🏃‍♂️, poor diet, and unhealthy lifestyle habits are concerning 😟. Studies indicate that over the past 20 years, among young stroke cases aged 18-55, professional drivers are considered a high-risk group. About half of these drivers suffer from hypertension or high cholesterol, with many also having diabetes, obesity, and smoking issues 🚭. Through this event, we aim to raise awareness among the public, especially drivers, to manage risks early and prevent strokes💡.

Once again, heartfelt thanks to all the enthusiastic students, colleagues, and participants, your dedication made this event a great success 🎉! Let’s continue working together to promote health awareness and protect brain health 🧠!