It is now the "dog days" of summer. During this time, the climate is hot, and people are prone to irritability, anxiety, fatigue, and lethargy. In terms of self-care and exercise, one should maintain a calm and peaceful mind to ensure the healthy functioning of the heart.
During the hot "dog days," the most common seasonal illness is heatstroke. Heatstroke is mainly caused by high temperatures and poor ventilation, which prevents body heat from dissipating in a timely manner.
When going out during this period, one should adjust their schedule to avoid going out during the high temperatures at noon. Some elderly people often feel irritable, fatigued, and have a decreased appetite during this season, and may even experience symptoms like dizziness, chest tightness, and nausea. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) describes this as "summer heat injuring Qi," while in folk terms, it is called "bitter summer." To address this, one can appropriately supplement their diet, ensure sufficient sleep, and use the midday nap to make up for any lack of nighttime sleep.
In terms of diet, it is best to focus on a vegetarian-based diet. Soybeans and soy products (such as tofu) are beneficial for heart health. One can also eat more winter melon and watermelon to help expel the pathogenic dampness and heat of summer. Folk remedies include "clear soup winter melon" and "watermelon rind skin." To eliminate or prevent nighttime chill, it is advisable to consume some ginger daily, drink more cool boiled water or mung bean soup, which can help relieve summer heat and quench thirst.
Life tip: During the "dog days," with high temperatures and humidity, one should not sit for long periods on wood exposed to the sun, as this can induce hemorrhoids, rheumatism, and arthritis. Additionally, it is not advisable to sleep outdoors during the "dog days," as it can easily lead to headaches, abdominal pain, joint discomfort, indigestion, and diarrhea.
Chinese patent medicine: For dizziness caused by summer dampness and heat, one can take Huoxiang Zhengqi pills. For wind-heat cold, one can take Shuanghuanglian oral liquid.