Education Corner

Type 2 diabetes is the most common complication of obesity, affecting about 80% of overweight patients. Excess abdominal fat impairs insulin function, causing insulin resistance and chronically high blood sugar that overworks the pancreas, leading to eventual failure.   Effective Diabetes Risk Management Weight loss: Losing 7% of body weight reduces diabetes risk by 58%.Exercise recommendations: Combine 150 minutes of weekly aerobic exercise with strength training to improve blood sugar control by 30%.Dietary adjustments: Choose brown rice, beans, and vegetables; limit white rice and sweets to stabilize blood sugar.Medications: Metformin improves glucose levels; GLP-1 agonists aid weight loss and sugar control.Regular check-ups: Keep HbA1c below 7%; annual urine and eye exams.   Prevention Measures Maintain BMI under 23. Limit daily sugar to under 25g; consume over 25g fiber from vegetables. Adults over 40: Annual blood sugar tests. Obesity significantly raises diabetes risk. If weight keeps rising or symptoms appear, seek medical checks promptly for early control and complication prevention.

Dementia is essentially a cognitive disorder. Alzheimer’s disease, which people often hear about, is one of the most common forms of dementia. In Hong Kong, 9.7% of people aged 60 or above suffer from cognitive disorders, which are a major cause of loss of independence, disability, and death among the elderly. Every year, 1.96 million people worldwide die due to dementia—it is therefore a condition that must not be underestimated!   What are the types of dementia? Alzheimer’s disease: The most common type of dementia, which may be related to aging or hereditary factors. Patients tend to become increasingly forgetful, and their comprehension and learning abilities slow down. The disease progresses gradually, eventually affecting their self-care and social abilities—for instance, they may need help with daily conversations and hygiene. In this condition, abnormal proteins accumulate in the brain, disrupting communication between nerve cells, which leads to cell death and brain shrinkage. Vascular dementia: Accounts for about 30% of cases. It is linked to stroke, heart disease, and blood circulation problems. The onset is usually related to damage in the brain’s blood vessels. Lewy body dementia: Caused by nerve cell death in the brain. Patients may experience hallucinations, confusion, shifts in attention, and Parkinson-like tremors. Frontotemporal dementia: More commonly seen in younger patients (aged 35–75). It results from localized degeneration in the brain. Early symptoms are not necessarily memory-related but may include difficulties in communication and increased emotional problems.   Does being forgetful mean I already have dementia? Typical symptoms include: Loss of interest in work or activities. Memory decline: Trouble remembering recent events, repeatedly asking the same questions, or difficulty learning new things. Language problems: Weakened ability to express or understand, frequent word-finding difficulties. Judgment and decision-making difficulties: Challenges handling complex tasks or solving problems. Disorientation: Confusion about location, date, or time; easily getting lost. Emotional and personality changes: Apathy, anxiety, irritability, or poor judgment. Decline in daily functioning: In late stages, patients may lose self-care and communication abilities.   If I have dementia, can it be cured? Currently, there is no complete cure for dementia. However, early treatment and continuous care can slow disease progression, alleviate symptoms, and improve quality of life. Medication:Some medications cannot cure dementia but can help relieve symptoms. Doctors may prescribe drugs such as cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, which help slow down brain deterioration and improve memory, cognitive function, and behavioral control. Healthy lifestyle:Studies show most dementia patients also have chronic conditions. Therefore, maintaining a balanced diet (more fish and vegetables, less meat), regular exercise, and mental stimulation can help delay cognitive decline. Caregivers should also provide emotional support to help patients express their feelings and reduce psychological stress.   How can I check whether I have dementia early? Though there is still no cure, early detection and intervention can significantly slow down progression. It is recommended to observe changes in memory and cognition in elders and undergo Alzheimer’s screening regularly to detect problems early and begin treatment promptly. Currently, Human Health Eshop offers an Early Alzheimer’s Screening for only HK$880.You can purchase or learn more via this link: https://mall.humanhealth.com.hk/products/early_alzheimer_screening This simple blood test can accurately detect levels of the biomarker phosphorylated Tau217 protein (p-Tau217) in the blood, which is associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology and helps assess the risk of developing AD. Multiple studies have shown that blood p-Tau217 test results closely match those of traditional PET-CT scans and cerebrospinal fluid biomarker analyses. Take action now—get screened and protect both yourself and your loved ones!   References:  The Centre for Health Protection ：NCD Watch August 2025 - Understanding Dementia. Consumer Council： Trivia About Dementia: What is “Alzheimer’s Disease”? A Dingy and Cluttered Room Can Be Hazardous? Castle Peak Hospital Department of Old Age Psychiatry: Mobile Memory Clinic.

Have you ever felt uncontrollable nervousness and anxiety? In fact, anxiety is a very normal emotional reaction — everyone faces different kinds of worries and stress every day. So how can you tell whether you’re actually suffering from an anxiety disorder?   What is mental illness? Mental illness is not the same as simply feeling unhappy or telling yourself to “look on the bright side.” For example, if you’re upset because something happened today but feel better tomorrow, that’s just a normal emotional fluctuation. However, with mental illness, not only are your emotions affected, but your body, thoughts, and even overall functioning can show specific symptoms that last for a longer period of time, interfering with daily life.Research has found that many people with mental illness show unusual features in the brain, such as imbalances in neurotransmitters.   When should you see a psychiatrist? Many people have stereotypes or even stigmas about psychiatry, and recent social events have caused further misunderstanding.In reality, psychiatry doesn’t only cover conditions like schizophrenia or psychosis. The field is very broad and includes common emotional disorders such as: Depression Anxiety disorders Dementia in the elderly Attention deficit in children Hyperactivity disorder Insomnia   Psychiatrists also handle addiction-related problems, including: Alcoholism Substance abuse Gambling addiction Internet addiction   If you often feel tense or nervous, could you have an anxiety disorder? People with anxiety disorders often experience persistent and excessive worry, or constantly expect danger to occur. This is often classified as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).   Symptoms of GAD include: Ongoing uneasiness Dizziness or headaches Rapid heartbeat Shortness of breath Digestive discomfort Nausea Cold sweats Feeling hot or flushed   These symptoms can significantly interfere with everyday life, affecting health, work, finances, relationships, and emotional well-being.   Other types of anxiety disorders include: Panic disorder Social anxiety disorder Agoraphobia Claustrophobia Acrophobia (fear of heights) Hemophobia (fear of blood) Insect phobia   Anxiety disorders more common in children: Separation anxiety disorder Selective mutism   If you notice that you or someone around you shows signs of emotional or mental distress, seek professional help as soon as possible.

Many parents feel heartbroken when they hear that their child needs a circumcision. But is circumcision really necessary? And what exactly does “circumcision” mean?    Where is the foreskin?  The foreskin is the layer of skin that covers the glans of a male newborn's penis, serving a protective role. ​   Does a baby need circumcision?Not all babies require it; doctors typically recommend it only for those with specific needs to avoid unnecessary surgery. ​ Why do children in North America often get it, and what are the benefits?It's common there due to cultural practices and perceived health advantages, such as drying the glans to lower STI risks later in life. Parents should weigh the necessity themselves. ​ When is circumcision needed? Urethral Infection (Urinary Inflammation)Due to bacterial infection between the foreskin and glans penis, after circumcision, the glans becomes drier, reducing bacterial growth and decreasing the chance of urethral inflammation by about one-tenth. Recurrent balanitis6% of boys experience this condition. If inflammation recurs frequently, circumcision may be considered to reduce inflammation chance by half. Balanitis xerotica obliterans (dry obstructive balanitis)This causes narrowing of the foreskin opening, leading to difficulty urinating. In this case, circumcision is the best option. Foreskin ballooning during urinationThis causes blockage when urinating. If severe, surgery may be considered.   Pediatric surgical issues can impact a child's life long-term, so parents should promptly consult a doctor for checks if concerns arise.

What is glaucoma?Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in Hong Kong. About 3 out of every 100 adults over the age of 40 are at risk of developing glaucoma. Early diagnosis can prevent vision loss and blindness. In the early stages, glaucoma may not show obvious symptoms, so patients often overlook it. By the time vision problems are noticed, the disease is usually advanced. This is why glaucoma is known as the “silent thief of sight.” It can cause permanent blindness, but early detection and treatment can help preserve vision. People over 40 or those with high-risk factors should have an eye examination every year to detect early glaucoma and prevent deterioration.   Why does glaucoma occur? Inside the eye, there is a clear, watery fluid called aqueous humor. It supplies oxygen and nutrients to eye tissues, removes waste products, and maintains the shape of the eyeball. If the drainage of aqueous humor is blocked, pressure builds up inside the eye (intraocular pressure). High intraocular pressure can damage the optic nerve, leading to glaucoma. Therefore, measuring eye pressure is an important part of glaucoma screening.   What types of glaucoma are there? Glaucoma can be categorized in different ways depending on cause and disease progression: Acute glaucomaThis form develops suddenly, causing blurred vision, seeing halos or rainbow rings around lights, red and painful eyes, and possibly headache, nausea, or vomiting. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment with oral or injected medications and eye drops to lower eye pressure, followed by laser or surgical treatment. Chronic glaucomaThis type develops gradually with no obvious early symptoms. Vision narrows slowly, and by the time patients notice serious vision loss, much of the damage is irreversible. This is why it’s also called the “thief of sight.” Congenital and acquired glaucomaAlthough most glaucoma patients are over 40, some infants are born with abnormal drainage structures in the eyes, leading to congenital glaucoma. These babies may be sensitive to light, have excessive tearing, and have larger-than-normal eyeballs. Primary and secondary glaucomaPrimary glaucoma is not caused by another disease. Secondary glaucoma results from other eye or systemic conditions such as advanced cataracts, uveitis, eye tumors, diabetic eye disease, or prolonged use of steroid eye drops. Treatment for secondary glaucoma must address the underlying condition first. Normal-tension glaucomaIn some patients, eye pressure is within the normal range, but the optic nerve is still damaged due to its lower tolerance to pressure. Such cases require detailed examination to diagnose. High-tension glaucomaThis is the most common type where increased intraocular pressure damages the optic nerve, leading to progressive vision loss and narrowed visual fields.   What are the common symptoms of glaucoma?  Gradual narrowing of the visual field Nausea or vomiting Eye pain with or without headache or migraine Sudden blurred vision Red or swollen eyes Seeing halos or rainbow rings around lights   How is glaucoma diagnosed? Diagnosis involves a series of clinical tests based on the patient’s condition and medical history. Common tests include: Intraocular pressure measurement Visual field test Fundus (retinal) examination Slit-lamp examination Gonioscopy (to examine the drainage angle) Assessment of optic nerve damage Checking aqueous humor drainage function   How is glaucoma treated? The goal of glaucoma treatment is to control eye pressure, prevent or slow disease progression, protect the optic nerve, and preserve vision. Treatments include medications (eye drops or oral drugs), laser therapy, or surgery. Today, there are also minimally invasive surgical options. With early detection, 90% of patients can avoid blindness. Surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia, where the eye is numbed but the patient remains awake. General anesthesia is reserved for specific cases. Surgical options to lower intraocular pressure: Glaucoma filtration surgery – A small incision is made in the eye wall to create a tiny drainage channel for aqueous humor to exit and reduce eye pressure. Non-penetrating filtration surgery – Similar to traditional filtration surgery but preserves certain corneal layers and may use implants. Tube (shunt) implantation surgery – A drainage tube is inserted into the eye to divert excess fluid out. Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) – Techniques that either enhance drainage or reduce aqueous humor production with less tissue disruption. Ciliary body laser or cryotherapy – Laser or freezing treatment to reduce aqueous humor production by partially destroying the fluid-producing tissue. In some surgeries, anti-scarring drugs (such as mitomycin C or 5-fluorouracil) may be applied to increase success rates. After surgery, an eye shield is used to protect the surgical site.

Is there any benefit to regular gastroscopy and colonoscopy?Do you often experience indigestion or abdominal discomfort? Gastroscopy and colonoscopy can help investigate the underlying causes. These endoscopic procedures allow direct observation of the stomach and intestines to detect abnormalities or diseases such as abnormal cell growth, ulcers, or polyps. If any lesions are found during examination, the doctor may use forceps attached to the endoscope to collect tissue samples for analysis. Early screening helps lower the risk of developing gastrointestinal cancers, including stomach, esophageal, colorectal, and anal cancer. Many people think gastroscopy and colonoscopy only detect stomach and colorectal cancers, but in fact, they can identify a wide range of digestive conditions, such as the following:   What can gastroscopy and colonoscopy examine? Gastroscopy examines the upper digestive tract, while colonoscopy examines the lower digestive tract.   Gastroscopy — examines the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum A gastroscopy, or “upper gastrointestinal endoscopy,” allows doctors to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. It helps diagnose upper digestive tract diseases, such as stomach or esophageal cancer, gastritis, esophagitis, stomach ulcer, esophageal ulcer, duodenal ulcer, and stomach polyps. It is useful for evaluating symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, persistent abdominal pain, heartburn, acid reflux, or indigestion. If necessary, the doctor may take tissue samples to identify whether the condition is benign or malignant, and may remove polyps immediately during the examination.   Colonoscopy — removes polyps and prevents colorectal cancer A colonoscopy examines various lower digestive tract conditions, including colorectal or anal cancer, inflammation, ulcers, vascular lesions, hemorrhoids, and suspected intestinal bleeding. It is recommended for patients with persistent abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, constipation, or bloody stools to identify possible causes.Even people without symptoms can undergo colonoscopy. In Hong Kong, colorectal cancer is the most common cancer, with over 5,600 new cases recorded in 2018. Most cases begin with benign polyps that can become malignant over about 10 years. Removing these polyps through colonoscopy can reduce the risk of cancer development.   How long does the procedure take? What preparation is required?   Colonoscopy A colonoscopy uses a flexible scope inserted through the anus to examine the lining of the colon. The procedure usually takes 15 minutes to 1 hour. Sedatives and pain relief are often given so the patient remains relaxed or asleep. Three days before the procedure, patients should eat a low-residue diet and avoid high-fiber foods such as vegetables, fruit, and oatmeal. The day before, a bowel cleansing agent is taken to clear stool and ensure a clean view of the intestines for accurate examination.   Gastroscopy A gastroscopy uses a thin, flexible tube about 0.9 cm in diameter with a camera at its tip, inserted through the mouth and esophagus to reach the stomach and duodenum. If required, the doctor may extract tissue samples through the tube for pathology testing. To ensure comfort, local anesthetic spray and intravenous sedation are provided. The procedure usually takes around 10 minutes.   When is gastroscopy or colonoscopy needed?   Gastroscopy indications Difficulty swallowing Persistent stomach pain, heartburn, acid reflux, or indigestion Black or tarry stool Unexplained weight loss Iron-deficiency anemia (fatigue, low hemoglobin) Family history of stomach or esophageal cancer   Colonoscopy indications Colorectal cancer screening (recommended for people aged 45 or above, or with family history) Blood or mucus in stool Unexplained abdominal pain Unexplained weight loss or fatigue Changes in bowel habits (persistent constipation or diarrhea for more than 2 weeks) Positive fecal occult blood test   Who should undergo these examinations?   Gastroscopy Individuals with swallowing difficulties, recurrent upper abdominal pain, acid reflux, indigestion, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, loss of appetite, or weight loss may need a gastroscopy. People aged 40 and above are recommended to begin regular screenings, especially those with a family history of stomach cancer.   Colonoscopy Besides those showing colorectal cancer symptoms, regular screening is advised from ages 45 to 50, as early colorectal cancer often has no obvious signs and is increasingly found in younger adults. If only a few polyps are found and test results are normal, repeat colonoscopy every 5 years is recommended. If multiple polyps (20–30) are present, the next screening should be done within a year.For people with a direct family history of colorectal cancer or additional risk factors, screening should start earlier—at age 40 or 10 years before the relative’s age at diagnosis.