Grassroots health projects promote people taking care of themselves
Print Edition
LEARNING to take care of ourselves is an important factor in good health. Feng Yingfang, 78, is living proof of that.
A pioneer in grassroots health, Feng started her work in the Xinfukangli residential complex in 2006. Initially, she opened her doors to people suffering from high blood pressure but later took in residents with other health problems.
Her neighborhood group now has 44 members aged between 53 and 92.
Last Wednesday, a group of health officials visited the group to see first-hand how grassroots health efforts are progressing.
“There’s nothing better than self-care,” Feng said. “We need to improve our knowledge about the body and how to take care of our physical and mental health.”
“I am so impressed by your group activities. It makes me want to join you,” said Sirpa Sarlio, ministerial adviser at Finland’s Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.
Lectures are a core activity of the group. Participants are advised about healthy lifestyle choices, including regular exercise, nutrition, hygiene and the risks of smoking and excess alcohol.
“We’ve learned that on days of high air pollution, we should stay home,” Feng said.
Doctors have designed special exercises for the elderly, who are prone to falling. And, from time to time, Feng organizes mini-excursion for the group.
Feng said her work for the group helps her keep fit and mentally acute. That works for others, too.
Chen Dahong joined the group in 2008, after she was diagnosed with moderate depression. Today she is Feng’s secretary and assistant.
“We are like a family,” she said.
Chen said she developed depression after she had to sell her house to pay off her son’s debts.
“I locked myself at home all day,” she said. “I even contemplated suicide. The medicine I was prescribed left me numbed. Something had to change.”
Chen now shares her experience with others, hoping to help them. She also shares her talents in photography and piano playing.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
