The Year of the Black Rabbit ‘Gye-myo-nyeon’ (癸卯年) welcomed the new year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, interest in health care in the new year is continuously increasing. Also, new corona mutations are also appearing, so it’s time to pay more attention to your health. A small effort to recognize the safety rules for diseases and accidents that you need to be aware of each month in advance can be the first step to a healthy year.
January-March Beware of chronic diseases and respiratory diseases
A healthy lifestyle is very important for preventing and managing chronic diseases such as obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Especially since the corona pandemic, there are many people who have increased weight rapidly. Obesity requires attention because it can cause complications such as high blood pressure and diabetes and lower quality of life.
The key to losing weight is to eat less and move more. Sohn Ki-yeong, a professor of family medicine at Seoul Asan Medical Center, explained, “To lose weight, aim to reduce your daily calorie intake by about 500 to 800 kcal from the previous intake, but avoid fasting and eat regularly.”
He continued, “As for exercise, walking, cycling, stationary bicycle, swimming, etc., which are aerobic exercises, are good, and should be performed at least three times a week for about 30 to 60 minutes at an intensity that is slightly short of breath.”
It is easy to increase the risk of infection in March, when the cold is frequent and the daily temperature difference is severe. It is recommended to pay attention to heating and clothing, keep warm, and eat enough protein. It is a time when the concentration of fine dust is also high, so you need to take care of your respiratory health. After going out, be sure to wash your hands and face thoroughly, and drinking plenty of water is also helpful.
April – June Allergies and Infectious Diseases
In spring, pollen is blown and there are many foreign substances in the air, so there is a high possibility of developing various allergic diseases. It is known that there is a high risk of respiratory symptoms such as tears, runny nose, sneezing, and frequent coughing, skin itching, swelling around the eyes, and itching. Professor Sohn said, “When yellow dust is severe, you should refrain from going out unnecessarily and wear a mask when going out.
Most eye diseases are caused by viral infection of the conjunctiva. Because it is prevalent in June, when early summer begins, special attention is required during this time. Eye disease is transmitted when an infected person’s tears or hands rubbing their eyes are transferred to another object and the virus is transferred to the eyes of those who have re-contacted. You can prevent infection by practicing good personal hygiene, such as washing your hands.
Beware of food poisoning and heat waves from July to September
Beware of food poisoning in summer. Food poisoning occurs when you ingest water or food contaminated with viruses or bacteria. Boil water as much as possible to drink, pay special attention to hygiene when cooking, and observe the expiration date of food ingredients.
Exposure to strong sunlight in summer can cause sunburn. The skin may become red, painful, and blisters may occur. It is a swelling of the face and limbs and a fever. Treatment is important, but prevention is more important than anything else.
On clear, cloudless summer days, the sun is very strong between 11am and 2pm and should be avoided. Sunscreen is essential. Prolonged exposure to heat can cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. The elderly, those with heart disease, and those taking antidepressants or antihistamines are at higher risk.
Professor Sohn said, “If a person exposed to heat for a long time shows symptoms such as fainting, move to the shade quickly, lower the head down, and massage with a cold wet towel to replenish moisture.” It is a very emergency situation if insanity is shown, so the body temperature must be lowered quickly and transported to the hospital,” he emphasized.
October-December Influenza, prevention of cardiovascular disease is important
It is important to prevent colds and flu during the changing seasons when the daily temperature range becomes severe. Influenza is different from the common cold, so it is recommended to get vaccinated on time. Unlike the common cold, the flu can be fatal, especially for those over the age of 65, immunosuppressed patients, and those suffering from diabetes, kidney failure, or chronic lung disease.
As the weather suddenly gets colder, the risk of vasoconstriction, increased blood pressure, myocardial infarction, and stroke increases. In particular, in the case of chronic diseases, be careful not to suddenly be exposed to cold. Also, if you are taking related medicines, do not skip them and pay attention so that the disease does not worsen.
Lastly, Professor Sohn said, “In the middle of winter, when walking on an icy road, there are many slips and falls, so you need to be careful.”
Send SNS articles