"As the backbone of the country's construction and family, young and middle-aged workers should pay more attention to their own health," said the minister.

However, a recent survey conducted by the Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Limited shows that the health condition of young and middle-aged workers in China needs more attention.

After testing 10,000 patients in eight regions, the survey showed that young and middle-aged workers paid less attention to high blood pressure than elderly people did, which directly affects the treatment and control of the disease.

To capture the attention of the whole society about this problem, the Ministry of Health and All-China Federation of Trade Unions jointly organized the "Healthcare Campaign for Young and Middle-Aged Workers."

During National Hypertension Day on October 8, local trade unions, public health departments and infirmaries will help measure blood pressure, grant health condition monitoring cards and carry out health education lessons for young and middle-aged workers.

(People's Daily, Sept. 22, 2000)