Fighting the "Sanjiu Days": The Colder It Gets, the More You Should Drink Water
According to the folk calendar, "Lidong" (Start of Winter) marks the arrival of winter. From this day on, scenes of "north winds blowing, low temperatures, and snowflakes drifting" will successively unfold. Winter is a hurdle, and only by maintaining good health can one get over it, which is especially true for the elderly. The 45 days from Lidong to the Winter Solstice are crucial for accumulating strength to combat the "Sanjiu Days" (the coldest period of winter).
Prevention: Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, asthma, chronic bronchitis, and influenza are most likely to be prevalent
● Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. "As soon as winter arrives, the number of patients with heart attacks, angina, strokes, and myocardial infarctions increases," says Zhou Rongbin. Cold stimulation can cause the sympathetic nervous system to become abnormally excited, leading to enhanced cardiac contractility, unstable blood pressure, and acute complications. Therefore, patients with high blood pressure should be more diligent about taking medication and monitoring their blood pressure on schedule. The elderly should preferably carry nitroglycerin and other fast-acting cardiac drugs with them. If you feel fatigue, dizziness, or chest discomfort for several consecutive days, it is best to seek medical attention promptly.
● Respiratory system diseases such as asthma and chronic bronchitis. The elderly, smokers, people with chronic diseases, and those with low immunity are prone to chronic bronchitis in winter. Severe cases can lead to emphysema or pulmonary heart disease, and cold stimulation can also easily trigger asthma. In addition to taking medication as prescribed, these individuals should also pay attention to keeping warm, eating less spicy food, and consuming more fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C. Additionally, getting a flu vaccine can help reduce the frequency of chronic bronchitis attacks.
The Colder It Gets, the More You Should Drink Water. The 45 Days from Lidong to the Winter Solstice are the Most Crucial
● Protect the five key areas: the neck, shoulders, waist, knees, and feet. Cold weather can affect these five vulnerable areas, causing pain in the cervical spine, lower back, and knee joints. The feet are the farthest from the heart, so they have the poorest blood supply and are more susceptible to cold, which can lead to colds and other illnesses. Therefore, Jiang Liangduo suggests wearing high-necked clothes and a scarf when going out; don't expose your shoulders while sleeping at night, you can drape a towel over them; people with poor waist and knee joints can wear a waist or knee brace and a cotton vest; soak your feet in warm water before bed.