More than 30 private and public housing estates, schools and organisations in Tuen Mun have been awarded certificates for their support in urging people to stay healthy by eating more fruits and vegetables.

Department of Health Community Physician Dr CY Mok pointed out Hong Kong people, who  have a busy life, often choose fast food for their meals, increasing the risk of consuming an unbalanced diet.

"We encourage them to maintain health by incorporating the concept of '2 + 3' into daily practices. Fruits and vegetables do not only provide nutrients to the body, they also help prevent major diseases and health problems, such as hypertension, diabetes, stroke, heart diseases, some cancers and obesity."

To eat twoservings of fruits and three servings of vegetables a day, people can replace snacks with fruit. For each meal, people can take half a bowl of cooked vegetables or one and a half bowls of raw leafy vegetables.

District-based activities held in Tuen Mun since September included distributing pamphlets and recipes, exhibitions, health talks, a colouring and drawing contest, experience-sharing sessions and food-diary competitions. The contests' winning entries will be featured at a two-day exhibition at Chelsea Heights, Tuen Mun on December 11 and 12.

To know more about the "2 + 3 a Day" campaign, call the department's 24-hour Health Education Hotline, 2833 0111, or visit http://2plus3.cheu.gov.hk.