[Hong Kong, 25 January 2010]: The Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, which will be held on 28 February 2010, has been a source of inspiration for Hong Kongers seeking to live a healthy lifestyle full of “can-do” spirit and positive energy. The race makes long-distance running as the most popular sports activity and the city’s focus. Today, representatives from the Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society (HKACS)—which is being supported under the Standard Chartered Marathon Charity Programme for the first time—said there is yet another benefit to the marathon lifestyle: Daily running can lower one’s risk of cancer.
The HKACS produced its recommendations, “13 steps for cancer prevention”, after consolidating global scientific research. One of the recommendations is to be physically active for at least 30 minutes every day, including simple exercises that anyone can do—such as running, jogging or brisk walking.
Dr. Ko Wing Man, Chairman of the HKACS, said despite rising cancer rates, scientific research indicates that most cases are preventable. Lifestyle changes such as increased exercise along with quitting smoking, healthier diet and maintaining a healthy weight can all help prevent cancer. Dr. Ko shared that aerobic exercise such as long-distance running is also proving beneficial to anti-cancer.
The HKACS also said sufficient and appropriate exercise helps lower relapse rates and enhances the overall physical functions of cancer patients—for instance, by minimising uncomfortableness resulting from treatment. In addition, doing exercise can help improve quality of life in terms of physical strength, weight control, muscle strength and muscular balance, decrease the chance of blood blockage and reduce the feeling of nausea. The HKACS recommended that cancer patients seek medical consultation before beginning any type of exercise regimen.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Patricia Chu, Chairman of the Fundraising and Publicity Committee for the HKACS, thanked for Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon’s support and donations. “We are honored to be invited as one of the beneficiaries of the Standard Chartered Marathon Charity Program—the donations from which will facilitate our cancer research, public education activities, and financial support to our patients at the Rehabilitation Centre”, she said. “The HKACS shares the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon’s enthusiasm for healthy living and a can-do attitude, and we would like to call for everyone to support the Standard Chartered Marathon Charity Program. Your generous donations will definitely help inject positive energy into the lives of our patients”.
This year, the Standard Chartered Marathon Charity Program is supporting three organisations: the HKACS along with long-time beneficiaries Seeing is Believing (SiB), Standard Chartered’s global community initiative to combat preventable blindness, and the Hong Kong Paralympic Committee & Sports Association for the Physically Disabled (HKPC&SAPD).
People who are interested in learning more about the Standard Chartered Marathon Charity Programme, please visit the Marathon website www.hkmarathon.com
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Photo captions
| Photo 1: |
Mrs. Patricia Chu (left) – Chairman of Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society, Dr. Ko Wing Man (middle) – Chairman of Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society, and Ms. Montegut Chuen (right) – nasopharyngeal carcinoma survivor, cheered for the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2010. |
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| Photo 2: |
Ms. Montegut Chuen (right) – nasopharyngeal carcinoma survivor, shares her cancer fighting story and positive energy at a media briefing. |
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| Photo 3: |
Dr. Ko Wing Man, Chairman of Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society, shares health tips and benefits of long distance running and regular exercise to cancer prevention and rehabilitation. |
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