Don't let the cold wave "freeze" your health! Please check the protection guide

First snow embraces cold wave

The first snow usually refers to the first snow after the beginning of winter. It brings not only snowflakes flying all over the sky, but also a sudden drop in temperature. Accompanied by weather changes such as strong winds and frost, it often represents the official arrival of a new round of cold wave.

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Health risks of cold snaps

Cold waves cause a sudden drop in temperature and dry air, which can easily damage the respiratory mucosa and cause respiratory diseases such as colds, tracheitis, and asthma. Low temperature stimulation can also easily cause serious cardiovascular diseases such as angina pectoris and myocardial infarction. Cold weather can damage the superficial skin and form frostbite, which can lead to poor blood circulation around the joints, inducing joint pain and movement disorders. In addition, gloomy weather can easily make people feel depressed, especially for people who are already prone to depression. Cold waves may aggravate their symptoms of mental illness.

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How to choose effective protective measures

In the face of health risks brought by cold waves, we need to take a series of protective measures to protect ourselves:

1. Keep warm: Avoid going out during the morning and evening when the temperature is lower; wear more cold-proof clothing, keep your head, chest, abdomen and feet warm, avoid prolonged exposure to cold environments, and change sweaty clothes as soon as possible after outdoor work or exercise.

2. Regular work and rest: Maintain a regular work and rest schedule, eat a balanced diet, consume more foods rich in vitamins and minerals, strengthen physical exercise, and improve the body's ability to adapt to the cold.

3. Strengthen monitoring of key groups: Special groups such as the elderly, children, and patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases should pay special attention to prevent the impact of cold waves. Regularly monitor health indicators such as blood pressure and blood sugar, and seek medical attention in time if you feel unwell.

4. Psychological adjustment: keep a good mood, participate in more indoor activities, increase sunshine time, and seek help from a psychologist when necessary.

The arrival of the first snow is a beautiful winter scenery, but the cold wave that comes with it should not be ignored. Knowing the cold wave, correctly resisting the risks, and mastering the health protection knowledge will help us spend the cold winter warmly and healthily.

Source: Chongqing Science Writers Association

Author: Deputy Chief Physician Kuang Chunmei, Physician Wang Linlin, and Chief Technician Zou Jingbo, Yongchuan District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing

Audit expert: Li Hanbin

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