Protecting Your Heart and Stomach During the Spring Festival
The Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year, is the largest traditional holiday celebrated in China. It's a time for joy and reunion, but it's crucial to pay special attention to **heart and stomach health** during this festive period.
Understanding the Risks of Cold Weather
During the Spring Festival, the weather can often be quite cold. This year, the festival falls about a month earlier than usual, resulting in even colder temperatures than in previous years. The cold triggers an increase in norepinephrine levels in the body, which can elevate heart rate, blood pressure, and myocardial oxygen consumption. Additionally, it can cause vasospasm in the coronary and cerebral arteries, leading to reduced blood flow. In severe cases, this can result in blockages that pose serious health risks.
Many individuals adhere to traditional beliefs—such as ceasing medications on the first day of the lunar new year, believing that this will prevent illness for the entire year. This practice can be dangerously misguided.
Four Key Factors That Can Harm Your Heart
Clinical statistics show that the period surrounding the Spring Festival sees a spike in coronary heart disease incidents, closely linked to disruptions in lifestyle, poor dietary habits, and emotional fluctuations during the holiday. Understanding these factors is essential for safeguarding your health during this time.
1. Emotional Fluctuations
The excitement of family reunions can lead to emotional highs and lows. Joyful gatherings with children and grandchildren, along with conversations about lost loved ones, can create intense emotional responses. Such fluctuations can activate the sympathetic nervous system, increasing the risk of coronary heart disease events.
2. Poor Eating Habits
Holiday feasts often result in lavish meals that can lead to overeating. The temptation to indulge in high-calorie and high-fat foods increases significantly during celebrations. This can elevate blood lipids and increase blood viscosity. Overeating can divert blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract, which may decrease coronary blood supply and exacerbate symptoms of coronary heart disease.
3. Fatigue
The festive season typically involves additional entertainment and social obligations, such as visiting relatives. These activities can lead to physical and mental fatigue, contributing to a higher likelihood of coronary events.
4. Increased Tobacco and Alcohol Consumption
The likelihood of both active and passive smoking tends to soar during the Spring Festival. Coupled with increased alcohol consumption, these behaviors can elevate the risk of coronary heart disease significantly.
Conclusion
As you prepare to celebrate the Spring Festival, it's vital to take proactive measures to protect your heart and gastrointestinal health. By managing emotional responses, maintaining balanced eating habits, ensuring adequate rest, and being mindful of tobacco and alcohol consumption, you can enjoy a festive yet healthy holiday season.