【Health Preservation during the 24 Solar Terms】Three Preventions for Health Preservation during Cold Dew

October 8th is the Cold Dew solar term this year. There is an old saying that "Don't expose your body during White Dew, and don't expose your feet during Cold Dew". Cold Dew is the second to last solar term in autumn. There is more dew and it is cold, so it is called "Cold Dew". At this time, the north has entered late autumn, the days are getting shorter and the nights are getting longer, which is in line with the trend of yang declining and yin growing. Chinese medicine emphasizes the unity of man and nature. At this time, the yang energy of our body converges inward, showing a state of weakened yang and strengthened yin. At this time, the elderly should pay attention to the following points:

1. Prevent drying

Dryness is the main air of autumn. Among the five internal organs, autumn corresponds to the lungs, and the lungs like moisture and hate dryness. Elderly patients with chronic respiratory diseases need to be especially careful at this time. The lungs and large intestine are exterior and interior to each other, and it is easy to suffer from dryness and fluid deficiency and constipation at this time. Elderly people with constipation also need to be especially careful.

First of all, water should be replenished. Most elderly people can control their water intake to about 1500 ml. It should also be noted that the amount of water consumed each time should not exceed 200 ml, and it should be done slowly and multiple times to avoid increasing the burden on the heart and kidneys. It should also be noted that drinking warm water in the morning can be better absorbed and utilized by the gastrointestinal tract, which is beneficial to viscosity, enhances vascular elasticity, and promotes blood circulation. Secondly, pay attention to a warm and moist diet, eat less spicy, hot and dry foods that hurt body fluids, and appropriately supplement foods with warm and nourishing properties, such as honey, yam, sesame, walnuts, etc. At the same time, space humidification is very important. Keeping the nasopharynx and airway moist can effectively enhance the moisture and disease resistance of the nasal mucosa. A humidifier can be used to ensure the humidity of the space. The recommended humidity is between 40% and 60%. Thirdly, exercise should be reduced moderately, and vigorous exercise with heavy sweating should be avoided to reduce the loss of body fluids. Finally, drinking Chinese medicine tea can help the body moisturize and produce body fluids and prevent constipation, such as choosing wolfberry, ophiopogon, ebony, American ginseng, Cistanche, etc.

Wind and cold protection: The autumn wind is bleak, and the temperature is cool in the morning and evening. You need to wear more clothes when going out in the morning and evening and avoid eating too much cold food. At the same time, we also recommend that you pay attention to the following points:

People who warm their mouth and nose and are sensitive to cool wind can wear masks to avoid inducing respiratory diseases.

To warm the abdomen, in addition to paying attention to keeping the abdomen physically warm, you should also avoid following the trend of eating large amounts of fruits, crabs and other foods to avoid damaging the spleen and stomach.

Warm the feet. The feet are the farthest part of the blood circulation from the heart. Keeping the feet warm helps smooth blood circulation, especially for elderly patients with diabetes and lower limb arteriosclerosis.

3. Prevent sadness and fatigue

There is an ancient saying that "sadness comes with spring and sadness comes with autumn". The autumnal equinox is bleak and everything withers. At this time, elderly patients with insufficient yang and liver depression should pay special attention to the following points:

1. Increase the lighting. When indoors, maintain the indoor brightness and appropriately increase the time spent in the sun. People whose physical conditions permit can climb high places to see far into the distance to strengthen their physique and cultivate their sentiments.

2. Ensure adequate sleep, especially for the elderly, who should go to bed around 10 a.m. and change their habit of staying up late in the summer. They can take a nap at noon to prevent drowsiness.

3. You can use music, aromatherapy, and meditation to please your body and mind. You can use music, aromatherapy, and meditation to please your body and mind.

Author: Yang Jie: Deputy Chief Physician, Department of Geriatrics, Oriental Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine

Scientific Advisor: Yan Yan, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine