"Wrap up warm in spring, dress lightly in autumn" is a health proverb reflecting people's experience in maintaining physical well-being, with some scientific basis. "Dressing lightly in autumn" means that when autumn temperatures turn slightly cooler, one should avoid adding too many layers too early. Moderate exposure to cool temperatures helps build cold tolerance. Gradually acclimating to progressively cooler environments over time can boost metabolism, increase heat production, and enhance the body's adaptability to lower temperatures. However, this approach isn't suitable for everyone.
Diabetics Should Avoid Autumn Freezing
Autumn brings significant temperature fluctuations. Diabetics often have poor local blood supply. Sudden exposure to cold air can trigger vascular spasms, further reducing blood flow and increasing the risk of complications like tissue necrosis and diabetic foot. Additionally, diabetes frequently coexists with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Cold air exposure can exacerbate these conditions, potentially leading to heart attacks or strokes.
Moreover, as temperatures drop, the body requires more calories to combat the cold, increasing metabolic activity and often leading to greater food intake. For diabetics, blood sugar control becomes inherently challenging during this period. Adding "autumn chill" to the mix can easily cause greater blood sugar fluctuations or exacerbate complications.
To avoid the risks of "autumn chill," diabetics should adjust clothing promptly with weather changes, ensuring they don't feel excessively cold. Especially in early autumn, while daytime temperatures may remain high, mornings and evenings are already cooler. Diabetics should also tailor their attire based on when they go out.
Elderly Individuals Should Avoid "Autumn Freezing"
Individuals with cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases, as well as the elderly whose bodily regulatory functions have declined, should not practice "autumn freezing." This is because late autumn brings significant temperature fluctuations, with large variations in temperature differentials, wind speeds, and atmospheric pressure.Such unpredictable weather causes skin and subcutaneous blood vessels to constrict, increasing peripheral vascular resistance and raising blood pressure. It also elevates blood viscosity, potentially triggering angina or myocardial infarction in coronary heart disease patients. In severe cases, it may cause vascular rupture leading to stroke, hemiplegia, or even life-threatening conditions. Therefore, avoid "autumn frost" practices.
Infants and young children should not practice "autumn frost"
Infants and young children in active growth phases, as well as those with chronic illnesses or frail constitutions, should avoid "autumn frost."Individuals with a history of chronic bronchitis, asthma, or similar conditions should also avoid "autumn chill." For such people, catching a cold or feeling chilled can easily trigger a relapse or worsen their condition. Some children frequently catch colds in autumn and winter, experiencing 1-2 episodes of fever and cold symptoms each month. Medically termed "highly susceptible children," these youngsters should also avoid "autumn chill."