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    #Hashtag Hong Kong

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    Listen to #Hashtag Hong Kong every Sunday morning at 8.15

    Focussing on issues affecting civil society, we'll hear from representatives of NGOs, associations, statutory bodies, and non-profit groups.

    (Sundays 8.15am - 8.25am)



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    Cindy Ng, Senior manager, Program and Services of KELY Support Group
    15/12/2024
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    Cindy Ng, Senior manager, Program and Services of KELY Support Group

    The landscape of substance use amongst young people in Hong Kong presents a significant public health challenge that demands comprehensive attention. KELY Support Group is committed to youth drug and alcohol prevention, recognising the complex factors contributing to substance misuse amongst adolescents and young adults. We need to come to a consensus that addressing this issue requires collaborative effort across our community.

     

    Recent data from the Narcotics Division reveals a complex trend in youth substance use. While the total number of reported drug users has decreased in 2024 compared to the previous year, the number of young drug users has increased instead, by 15%. This highlights the need for targeted intervention strategies. We must also be aware that these statistics may not reflect the real situation as there are more hidden drug cases, and alarms should also be raised for them.

     

    Of particular concern is the emergence of "space oil", a substance gaining rapid popularity amongst young people. Typically packaged as e-cigarette capsules, it contains etomidate, a medical anaesthetic that requires a doctor's prescription. This drug has become increasingly accessible through digital platforms, emerging as the third most prevalent substance amongst youth in the first half of 2024. Specifically, 75 out of 452 young drug users reported using space oil, with cannabis and cocaine remaining the top two substances.

     

    Over KELY's three decades of prevention work amongst youth, we noticed a significant shift in young people's attitude towards substance use. The changing global landscape, with several countries legalising marijuana and adopting more open discussions about substance use, has piqued young people's interest and curiosity about different substances. This is particularly noticeable amongst those planning to travel or study overseas.

     

    Social media has fundamentally transformed how young people access information about substances. While these platforms provide unprecedented access to knowledge, they also present significant challenges. Young people often struggle to distinguish between credible facts and misinformation, leaving them vulnerable to potential risks.

     

    At KELY, we believe that prevention and education is crucial, especially before young people encounter illegal or harmful substances. Our approach focuses on imparting facts, especially potential risks and harm relating to substance use for youth, enabling them to make informed decisions. We work closely with schools to provide prevention education, creating safe spaces where young people can openly discuss drug issues and ask questions, with access to credible knowledge.

     

    We recognise that drug use is often linked to mental health, with many young people turning to substances as a coping mechanism for stress, relationship challenges, and other life pressures. Therefore, our work extends beyond prevention to support the development of healthy coping strategies and robust support networks. We aim to equip young people with tools such as peer support skills to navigate the complex challenges of their teenage years effectively.

     

    Schools, educators, parents, and the community must play a comprehensive and collaborative role in drug prevention and youth education. This approach requires a multi-dimensional strategy that goes beyond traditional information delivery. Schools should include evidence-based, age-appropriate curriculum that integrates interactive workshops and mental health support. Creating early warning systems is critical to this approach, where staff are trained to recognise signs of substance vulnerability and provide confidential counselling without judgement.

     

    Parents need robust support to effectively engage with their children. Workshops that teach communication strategies can help parents understand adolescent psychology, and guide them in creating open, non-confrontational dialogues about substance use. Community involvement is equally crucial, requiring coordinated efforts between local health services, youth organisations, and support infrastructure that offers accessible counselling, mental health resources, and mentorship programmes.

     

    In the digital age, prevention strategies must also adapt to technological landscapes. This means developing verified online resources, interactive educational platforms, and social media awareness campaigns that teach digital literacy and critical information evaluation. Young people need tools to understand online risks, practise responsible digital citizenship, and learn to distinguish credible information from misinformation.

     

    The underlying principle of KELY Support Group's interventions is prevention, empathy, and peer support. Our organisation recognises that addressing youth substance use requires a fundamentally different approach from traditional punitive measures. Instead, KELY focuses on building individual resilience, promoting healthy lifestyle choices, and creating supportive environments that address the root causes driving young people towards substance experimentation. At KELY, we believe that by developing a comprehensive and unified ecosystem of support, education, and understanding, we can more effectively prevent substance misuse and empower young people to make informed, healthy decisions that positively shape their future.

     

     

    15/12/2024 - 足本 Full (HKT 08:15 - 08:30)

    重溫

    CATCHUP
    10 - 12
    2024
    香港電台第三台

    15/12/2024

    Cindy Ng, Senior manager, Program and Services of KELY Support Group

    08/12/2024

    Dr. Patrick Cheung, Chairperson, Against Child Abuse

    01/12/2024

    Lok Man Leung, Program Manager from Hong Kong Aids Foundation

    24/11/2024

    Amanda Fok, the founder of Let’s talk ADHD

    17/11/2024

    Korver Li, ComHome Social Housing Platform Limited

    10/11/2024

    Joanna Hotung, Chairperson Emeritus, Youth Diabetes Action

    03/11/2024

    Wong Shek Hung, Director of Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan Programme, Oxfam Hong Kong

    27/10/2024

    Dr. Yvonne Tsang, Member of Advisory Council, Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation

    20/10/2024

    Jason Fan, Secretary General of the Hong Kong E-Vehicles Business General Association

    13/10/2024

    Steven Chan, Assistant Environmental Affairs Manager from The Green Earth
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    Dr. Anthony Ying, the Chairman of the Cancer Prevention/Early Detection Subcommittee of the Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society

    I am Dr. Anthony Ying, the Chairman of the Cancer Prevention/Early Detection Subcommittee of the Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society as well as an oncologist in Hong Kong. As pioneers in promoting cancer education, we, at the Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society, recognise the significance of May as Skin Cancer Awareness Month. As summer approaches, let us emphasise the critical importance of raising awareness about this form of cancer.

    Skin cancer is a prevalent disease and skin cancer is actually the commonest human cancer. Its global incidence rate is rapidly increasing. Although the rate in Hong Kong is comparatively lower than in the West, the number of new cases continue to rise each year. This can be attributed to increased participation in outdoor activities and an ageing population. In fact, there were 1200 new cases of skin cancers reported in Hong Kong in 2021.

    It is crucial to dispel the misconception that skin cancer only affects individuals with fair skin. Regardless of skin color, anyone can develop skin cancer. In fact, certain factors increase the risk, including having numerous moles especially atypical moles, a history or family history of melanoma, prolonged exposure to sunlight, a history of severe sunburns with skin peeling and fair skin that easily burns.

    Recognising the signs and symptoms of skin cancer is important. Different types of skin cancer can present varied appearances, but common symptoms include the presence of a new spot that differs from surrounding skin, a non-healing sore, or a mole or spot that changes in size, shape, or color. It is important to be vigilant for moles that exhibit asymmetry, irregular or indistinct borders, uneven color distribution, a diameter exceeding 6 mm, or a raised surface with an irregular shape.

    While the incidence of skin cancer is high, its mortality rate is relatively low, provided it is not melanoma. Since our skin is a visible organ, skin abnormalities should be visible and detectable. Early detection plays a vital role in increasing the chances of successful treatment. If you notice any unusual changes in your skin, I urge you to visit your doctor without delay. Prompt consultation is critical. If your doctor suspects skin cancer, a biopsy will be recommended—a quick and simple procedure that removes a small piece of skin from the suspicious area under local anesthesia. The sample will then be sent to a laboratory for microscopic examination.

    Research indicates that 80% of skin cancers are preventable. Protecting our skin from the sun is the best preventive measure. Here are some essential tips to follow:  Avoid the sun when the UV Index is high and when the sun rays are strongest near mid-day.  Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15+ and PA++ on all exposed skin, including the lips.

     Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 to 3 hours.
     Seek shade under trees or umbrellas when the sun is very strong.
     Wear hat, sunglasses, and suitable clothing that protect your skin.
     Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps.

    The Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society offers comprehensive cancer care and education, including services for skin cancer. To assess your risk of developing skin cancer, I encourage you to join our free cancer screening programme. Our dedicated nurses will conduct a cancer risk assessment and provide personalised advice and referrals. Free leaflets on various types of cancers and short videos about cancer are also available on our website www.hkacs.org.hk and our YouTube channel.

    For those diagnosed with skin cancer requiring additional support, please dial 3921 3777 to connect with our Cancer Survivorship Care Project for free. Our professional social workers and nurses are available to provide counselling and support during your journey. Our publication "A-Z Guide for Caregivers," edited by Ms. Janet Wong, also offers comprehensive information for cancer caregivers.

    Or if you require rehabilitation, our Cancer Rehabilitation Centre offers holistic care services tailored to your needs. We particularly have a Charity Bed Program that provides free in-patient care services for those in need.

    All the cancer support and services mentioned above are made possible through generous donations. We welcome you to donate to our cause if you would like to make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.

    Lastly, I would like to dedicate the inspiring song 'We Are the Champions' to highlight the importance of solidarity and collective effort in the fight against skin cancer. Let this song serve as a cheerful reminder that together, we stand united, cheering on these brave fighters!

    香港電台第三台

    12/05/2024 - 足本 Full (HKT 08:15 - 08:30)

    12/05/2024 - Dr. Anthony Ying, the Chairman of the Cancer Prevention/Early Detection Subcommittee of the Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society