letters

Pick-me-up drinks can let you down

I am writing in response to the article 'Take care over pick-me-up drinks' (Young Post, July 13). We can roughly divide such drinks into two categories.

The first category includes drinks containing caffeine that help people to be more lively and alert. Caffeine can also help improve concentration and performance.

The second category covers drinks that contain a large dose of sugar, which can replenish nutrients lost during exercise.

Drinking too much caffeine can have drawbacks. It can make us nervous and restless, and keep us awake at night. On the other hand, drinks with too much sugar can cause dehydration, along with a greater risk of strokes and even heart attacks.

In my opinion, a diet that is high in carbohydrates can boost our energy. What's more, eating a few sweets or having a glass of lemon juice can make us feel refreshed. I think such foods and drinks will not pose any health risks.

Moreover, having eight to nine hours' sleep a night can make us more energetic, and help us concentrate more. In other words, unhealthy pick-me-up drinks are better replaced by a healthy diet and enough sleep.

Brayden Hou Wing-hin, SKH St James' Primary School

Phone texting can harm your health

We constantly see Hongkongers texting and e-mailing using their mobile phones. However, it was recently found that overuse of this method can lead to bad posture, which increases the risk of what has been dubbed the 'iPhone syndrome'. This can cause problems with the forearms, wrists, shoulders and neck.

Smartphones are undoubtedly useful and very popular. But people must be aware of the potentially serious health problems.

We need to be more aware of our posture while using smartphones and hand-held gaming devices. But I think the best solution is to avoid overusing them. We see lots of people staring at their phones all the time, no matter whether they really need to contact someone else.

We should have self-control while using any gadget. We should use them properly, without being controlled by them. Remember: do not overuse them.

Lo Yu-ting, Leung Shek Chee College

Build more flats to help homeless

In Hong Kong, every bit of space is precious. Although some people own several flats, there are many more who live in crowded cage homes or subdivided flats.

Experts say people living in such conditions are at risk of contracting diseases such as tuberculosis, which can spread in crowded environments with poor ventilation.

I think the government should build more public housing flats to meet the growing demand. There has been a sharp rise in the number of people on the waiting list for public housing.

The Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) also needs to be rethought. Under the scheme, low-income residents can buy flats at a reasonable price.

The government could restrict the sale of public housing flats and provide more homes for those on the waiting list.

Apart from focusing on stabilising the property market, the government must look after the needy. This can be achieved by building more flats and reviving the HOS.

Wong Kim-wai, Kit Sam Lam Bing Yim Secondary School

Myanmar leader can inspire Chinese

Myanmar's opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, took part in a lecture and discussion - via a video conference call - with students from the University of Hong Kong.

The 1991 Nobel Peace Prize winner was released by Myanmar's military leaders last year after more than 15 years of house arrest.

Aung supports the idea of a democratic China in the future and encouraged mainlanders to have faith. She has for a long time protested peacefully - yet powerfully - in support of political change in her country.

She is a great example to the Chinese who dream of greater democracy. We can learn from her; her patience has helped her to succeed. We shouldn't give up easily, but be patient. Being impulsive and acting illegally do not help to solve problems.

Agnes Tam Hoi-ting, Pooi To Middle School