Be Alert to Sudden Cardio-cerebral Vascular Diseases This Spring - Tibetan Health Knowledge Hall - Baidu Space

by 60888888 on 2010-03-12 12:58:52

This year, the early spring season has a large temperature difference between morning and evening, changeable weather, and frequent cold spells, leading to what is commonly referred to as "late spring cold snap" in ancient sayings. Cerebrovascular diseases can occur throughout the year, especially during seasonal transitions. In early spring, when it's still chilly despite some warmth, low temperatures stimulate the body’s sympathetic nervous system, causing the contraction of capillaries, slow blood flow, or sudden changes in blood pressure. For people with high blood pressure or arteriosclerosis, the cold stimulation can increase blood pressure, making them more prone to cerebrovascular diseases.

To prevent cerebrovascular diseases in early spring, one should first pay attention to keeping warm. As the old saying goes: "Dress warmly in spring and endure the chill in autumn, and you will be free from a hundred illnesses." Especially for the elderly, winter clothes should not be taken off too early. One must be mindful of weather changes, adjust clothing accordingly, and prevent blood pressure fluctuations and catching a cold due to temperature changes. Besides climatic influences, preventing cerebrovascular diseases also involves actively treating hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and hyperlipidemia, gradually quitting smoking and drinking, alleviating stress and tension in life, improving unhealthy living habits, and eliminating risk factors that may trigger the disease. Here are five lifestyle measures to note:

1. Adjustment of Lifestyle

Firstly, arrange a reasonable schedule and exercise regularly to make life more colorful. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the liver governs tendons. Persistent exercise can invigorate tendons and meridians, benefiting liver health and maintaining stable blood pressure. Spring, when all trees sprout green, is a good time for outdoor activities. Especially for the elderly, they can choose appropriate activities based on their physical condition, such as spring outings, walking in the morning and evening, or practicing Tai Chi. However, one should go out at a suitable temperature.

2. Psychological Adjustment

Changes in weather can lead to emotional fluctuations. Normally, one should strive to maintain a peaceful state of mind, avoid overreacting, refrain from getting angry, and most importantly, avoid depression. Create happy moments and laugh heartily. Timely express emotions to prevent stagnation of liver qi.

3. Dietary Adjustment

Diet is the material basis for bodily and cerebral activities. The diet structure should change with the four seasons. In spring, when the wind is prevalent, the accumulated stagnant qi from the winter tends to manifest as internal heat. Therefore, the diet should be light, with more green vegetables and less spicy or greasy food (please refer to hypertensive dietary therapy).

4. Bowel Movement Adjustment

Maintaining smooth bowel movements is crucial. Long-term retention of feces in the colon prevents the release of harmful gases, causing chest and abdominal fullness and loss of appetite. The toxins absorbed into the bloodstream can cause skin discoloration and spots, and these toxins reaching the brain through circulation can damage brain nerves, accelerating aging. Through dietary adjustments, abdominal massage, and appropriate medication, regular bowel movements can be achieved.

5. Timely Medical Consultation When Symptoms Appear

If symptoms such as sudden headache or dizziness, numbness in limbs, temporary blurred vision or blindness, stiff tongue or speech loss, fatigue or sudden personality changes, unexplained drowsiness, which are precursors to cerebrovascular diseases, appear, one should immediately seek medical attention. Timely treatment generally leads to a good prognosis.