Promoting Physical Activity to Prevent Chronic Diseases on World Kidney Day

On the morning of March 8, the Kowloon Park Piazza was filled with energy and joy, as more than 1,000 healthcare workers, kidney patients and their caregivers joined hands—literally and figuratively—to perform a group fitness routine. Their synchronised, upbeat movements set a new world record for the “Most healthcare professionals and kidney patients doing health exercises simultaneously”, while spreading the message that regular exercise helps improve physical and mental well‑being and prevents chronic diseases.

The “Mega Exercise” marked the highlight of the Kidney Health Activity Day, jointly organised by the Hong Kong Kidney Foundation, the Hong Kong Society of Nephrology, and the Hong Kong Association of Renal Nurses. The event was held in support of the 21st World Kidney Day and the 6th Hong Kong Kidney Day.

 

Prominent Healthcare Leaders Join the Event in Person
A number of distinguished healthcare leaders attended the event and even joined the exercise on the field, including:
•    Dr. Cecilia Fan, Acting Secretary for Health
•    Dr. Ronald Lam, Director of Health
•    Mr. Henry Fan, Chairman of the Hospital Authority
•    Dr. Siu-Fai Lui, Chairman of the Hong Kong Kidney Foundation and Chairman of the Department of Health's Steering Committee on Promotion of Physical Activity
•    Prof. Desmond Yap, President of the Hong Kong Society of Nephrology  
•    Ms. Dorothy Sung, President of the Hong Kong Association of Renal Nurses
•    Dr. Leong Che-hung, President of the Hong Kong Kidney Foundation
•    Prof. Richard Yu, Patron of the Hong Kong Kidney Foundation
•    Dr. Lobo Louie, Vice-chairman of the Department of Health's Steering Committee on Promotion of Physical Activity

In their speeches, several guests highlighted the critical role physical activity plays in preventing chronic diseases.
Dr. Siu-Fai Lui stated, “This year’s theme is ‘Move for Your Health’, because exercise is an investment in lifelong wellness. Physical activity reduces obesity and lowers the risk of hypertension and diabetes—two of the major culprits behind kidney failure.” He called on the public to “move for better physical and mental health; move to stay away from chronic diseases.”

 

1,060 Participants Exercise Together to Break World Record

The highlight of the day came when all participants performed the fitness routine together. Under the witness of an official from the World Record Association, it was confirmed that 1,060 people took part in the synchronised exercise, setting a new world record. The announcement was met with loud cheers and applause.

 

Kidney Disease: A Growing Health Challenge in Hong Kong

Kidney disease remains a significant health concern in Hong Kong. About 1 in 10 adults suffers from some degree of kidney damage, and each year, approximately 1,500 new end-stage renal failure patients require dialysis to stay alive.

Data also shows that 61% of new end-stage kidney failure cases are caused by diabetes and hypertension. Effective prevention and management of the “three highs” (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol) is therefore crucial to kidney protection. A random community health screening conducted by the organisers a week before further underscored the urgency:

 

• 40% of the 620 participants were found to have hypertension

• 20% had diabetes

• Alarmingly, 33% of those with hypertension and 16% of those with diabetes were previously unaware of their conditions

 

The findings highlight the need for regular health checks and improved public health awareness. The organisers hope that the world record challenge will inspire the public to incorporate exercise into their daily lives, undergo early screening, manage the three highs, and work together to tackle kidney disease. Even people with kidney conditions can benefit from appropriate exercise, especially to improve cardiovascular health.

 

 

A Day of Wellness, Fun and Community Spirit

The event featured a colourful program including dance performances, skits, singing and live band music. The crowd remained enthusiastic throughout, cheering and clapping along. After the mass exercise, participants split into four groups to take part in walking routes around Kowloon Park, continuing the theme of “moving for health.”
The morning was filled with laughter, music and encouragement, symbolising unity between healthcare workers, patients, and the public in building a healthier future together.