Preparing for a trouble-free year
It’s a new year where we set new goals and resolve to take action. Among them, health care is a regular plan that is not left out. In order to achieve this, care must be taken to prevent the worsening of existing diseases and prevent other diseases from occurring. What should I do to manage my health more effectively? In order to have a trouble-free first half of 2024, we introduce the characteristics of each period and disease prevention methods to be aware of.
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Be careful of drowsy driving and binge eating during the Lunar New Year holidays
The year has changed, but the cold still remains in January. What you need to be careful about during cold waves are cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases such as cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. Cardiovascular diseases usually increase from October when the weather gets colder and peak in January.
Obesity is a factor that increases the incidence and mortality of cardiovascular diseases. This is especially true when you have abdominal obesity. Therefore, body mass index (weight divided by height squared) should be maintained below 25 kg/m2, and waist circumference should be maintained below 85 cm and 90 cm for women and men, respectively.
Consistent daily exercise is also helpful. As long as you exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, even if you divide it into several short sessions, you can lower your risk of developing the disease. However, if you suffer from diabetes, consult with your doctor to determine the appropriate intensity of exercise to prevent rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
In February, we celebrate the national holiday, Lunar New Year. During the Lunar New Year holiday, the number of drowsy driving accidents increases due to heaters left on for long periods of time and fatigue from long distance driving. It is best to keep the temperature inside the vehicle slightly cool at 20 to 23 degrees and ventilate the indoor air by opening the windows every 1 to 2 hours.
During the holidays, red flags are likely to appear regarding digestive health, such as indigestion and reflux esophagitis. Professor Oh Joo-hyeon of the Department of Gastroenterology at Nowon Eulji University Hospital said, “It is easier to binge eat and eat late at night than usual, so you may experience indigestion symptoms such as abdominal bloating or heartburn after a meal.” He added, “Particularly, patients with functional dyspepsia or irritable bowel syndrome are more prone to bloating. “You have to be careful not to disrupt your eating habits,” he said.
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Fine dust rises in spring, wear mask
As March approaches, fine dust is rampant, covering the sky in gray. Fine dust is known to cause asthma, conjunctivitis, and bronchitis, and is also associated with cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure and arrhythmia. Professor Son Ki-young of the Department of Family Medicine at Asan Medical Center in Seoul explained, “As fine dust accumulates in the bronchial tubes, phlegm and coughing become more frequent, and the respiratory mucosa dries out, making it easier for bacteria to penetrate, increasing the incidence of infectious diseases such as pneumonia.”
When the concentration of fine dust is high, reduce the amount of outdoor activity, and if you must go out, wear a close-fitting health mask of KF80 or higher that covers both the nose and mouth. After going out, wash your hands thoroughly and drink plenty of water to prevent your respiratory mucosa from drying out.
Even on days with a lot of fine dust, indoor ventilation is necessary. If there is no ventilation at all, pollutants such as carbon dioxide and radon accumulate and indoor air quality deteriorates. After natural ventilation, wipe off fine dust with a wet cloth.
There is a high possibility of developing allergic diseases in April when pollen is flying. Allergic rhinitis is a representative example. This is due to the effects of birch tree pollen and dust mites that breed in spring. To prevent allergic rhinitis caused by dust mites, avoid using carpets and wash bedding once a week in water above 55 degrees. If you suffer from allergic rhinitis caused by pollen, it is best to follow the step-by-step response tips for the pollen concentration risk index provided by the Korea Meteorological Administration.
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Be careful of malaria and dengue fever when traveling abroad
Since ultraviolet rays are as strong in spring as in summer, apply sunscreen and be careful of accidents such as bee stings and snake bites when going to the mountains or fields. If you go out in light clothes just because the weather is warm, you may catch a cold during the change of seasons, so wear an extra layer of thin clothing.
Many people travel abroad to celebrate Family Month. In this case, you must be careful of infectious diseases that occur frequently and have a risk of spread. Be especially careful of malaria and dengue fever, which are mosquito-borne infectious diseases. When traveling, wear long-sleeved tops and long pants to avoid mosquito bites, and apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin. Professor Son said, “If you are traveling to an area where malaria is prevalent, it is a good idea to consult a specialist and take preventive medication before traveling and after returning home. Measles is also spreading sporadically, so children must be vaccinated before leaving the country.” did.
Be careful of hand, foot and mouth disease in June. Hand, foot and mouth disease is an acute viral disease that causes blisters in the mouth, hands and feet. It occurs frequently in infants and young children starting in early summer when temperatures rise. Most people recover naturally 7 to 10 days after symptom onset, but in rare cases, complications such as encephalitis may occur.
Hand, foot and mouth disease is highly contagious and there is no vaccine or treatment, so prevention and blocking the spread are important. Wash your hands after going out and before and after eating, and at daycare centers and kindergartens, thoroughly disinfect surfaces that your hands touch, such as door handles.
Ha Ji-su ([email protected])
2024-01-05 16:29:00
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