Guía de protección cerebral para el Año Nuevo Chino: consejos esenciales

Title: Brain Protection Guide for the Chinese New Year: Essential Tips Profile: The Spring Festival increases the risk of strokes. It is suggested to eat well, maintain stable emotions, and learn first aid. Keywords: ['Health Prevention', 'Stroke'] Author: Not specified Reviewer: Not specified Commissioner: Not specified Organization Information: Not specified.

The Spring Festival is the most important celebration for Chinese people. Every home is decorated with lights and colors, and the table is filled with shared wines, laughter, and joy. However, behind this festivity lies a health 'killer' that cannot be ignored: stroke.

Clinical data shows that during the Spring Festival, there is generally a slight increase in the incidence of strokes. Factors such as cold weather, overeating, intense emotions, and disruptions in rest schedules significantly raise the risk of strokes. To have a safe and healthy New Year, be sure to keep in mind these five tips to care for your brain.

One, stabilize the 'three highs', do not stop medication on your own.

In traditional Chinese culture, taking medication during the New Year is considered 'inauspicious', leading many elderly people to stop their medication without consulting. This is an extremely dangerous mistake!

Why is it dangerous? Hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia are the main risk factors for stroke. Suddenly stopping medication can lead to sharp fluctuations in blood pressure and blood sugar levels, akin to repeatedly testing pressure in rusty pipes, which can easily cause a burst (cerebral hemorrhage) or a blockage (cerebral infarction).

Correct approach: 'Medication cannot be stopped!' It is crucial to continue taking medication on time during the Spring Festival. You can set alarms as reminders. If you plan to go out, be sure to carry an adequate supply of medication to ensure treatment is uninterrupted.

Two, control your intake: the consumption of meat and fish should be moderate.

During the New Year period, the table is often filled with foods high in salt, fat, and sugar, such as cured meats, sausages, fried balls, and various desserts.

Why is it dangerous? Excessive salt intake can raise blood pressure, and too much fat can make the blood viscous, increasing the likelihood of thrombosis.

Correct practice: a proper combination of foods and eat until feeling about 70% full. Try to consume more vegetables to ensure fiber intake. When cooking, it is recommended to use little salt, and vinegar and spices can be used for flavor. Drink plenty of water or light tea, and reduce the consumption of sugary drinks; adequate hydration can dilute the blood and promote circulation.

Three, beware of the cold: be alert to the 'spring cold'.

During the Chinese New Year period, although spring has begun, the weather can still be cold, sometimes experiencing a 'reverse spring cold'. This cold can cause blood vessels to constrict and blood pressure to rise, significantly increasing the burden on the brain's blood vessels.

Why is it dangerous? The temperature difference between indoors and outdoors can be significant, and elderly people's blood vessels have poor elasticity; sudden changes in temperature can easily trigger a stroke.

Correct: When going out to visit friends or participate in outdoor activities, it is essential to put on a hat, scarf, and gloves, paying special attention to protecting the head and neck from the cold. Upon entering the house from outside, do not remove your clothes immediately; give your body time to acclimate.

Four, avoid excessive emotions: maintain a calm mindset during the New Year.

During New Year celebrations, it is common for friends and family to gather to play cards, enjoy mahjong, and chat, which can lead to some emotional fluctuations. Some may feel very happy winning money, while others may feel very sad losing, and there are even those who stay up all night playing.

Why is it dangerous? Intense emotional fluctuations can cause rapid heartbeats and spike blood pressure; excessive work and lack of sleep can keep the body in a state of stress, all of which are direct factors that induce a stroke.

Correct: Maintain a calm mindset, engage in recreational activities in moderation, and try not to stay up late. If you suffer from hypertension or heart disease, you should avoid participating in overly stimulating activities.

Five, learn to recognize: remember the '120' rule.

Time is brain. Once a stroke occurs, every minute of delay results in 1.9 million brain cells dying. Therefore, it is crucial to learn to quickly recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Here we teach a simple mnemonic: '120' (it must be quick).

'1' stands for 'look for an asymmetrical face', check if the patient has any deformity such as a drooping corner of the mouth or a sagging side of the face, among other asymmetrical situations.

'2' stands for 'check for unilateral weakness in the arms'. Ask the patient to try lifting both arms; if one arm cannot be lifted or falls quickly after being raised, be alert.

'0' means 'listen for difficulties in the patient's speech'. Ask the patient to say a complete sentence, like 'today the weather is very nice'. If they have difficulty speaking, problems expressing themselves or cannot understand what others are saying, immediately call emergency number 120.

Through these three simple steps, a preliminary assessment can be performed to determine if a stroke has occurred, providing valuable time for the patient's treatment. Health is the greatest blessing; during this warm festival, I wish that every friend stays away from illness, eats well, drinks well, and rests well, and has a healthy, safe, joyful, and peaceful New Year.

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