On the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, the first workday after the holiday, a long queue formed outside the cardiology department at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital. The department saw 602 patients throughout the day, a volume comparable to peak periods. Meanwhile, at the Capital Institute of Pediatrics and Beijing University of Chinese Medicine's Dongfang Hospital, patients with digestive system disorders and cervical spondylosis also significantly outnumbered usual volumes.
Irregular Lifestyle Triggers Old Ailments
"I saw 45 patients this morning alone—the post-holiday influx is substantial," remarked Yang Zhongsu, associate chief physician at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital's Cardiology Department, taking a rare sip of water after finishing his morning rounds on the 18th.Yang Zhongsu explained that post-holiday patients primarily presented with high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, and angina. Irregular lifestyles during the holiday period, coupled with increased intake of high-calorie foods, led to elevated blood pressure and lipid levels, causing many to suffer from recurring health issues.
In Yang Zhongsu's observation, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases have risen rapidly in recent years, primarily attributed to unhealthy lifestyles."Greasy diets and prolonged inactivity lead to weight gain and elevated blood lipids, blood pressure, and blood sugar," Yang noted, adding that these unhealthy habits often become more pronounced during holidays.The child, just over five years old, had attended a family gathering the previous day where a table laden with delicious food and drinks awaited. While the adults chatted animatedly, the child ate heartily. Ms. Lin explained that beyond the main dishes, grandparents continuously offered the child fruits and nuts, along with several bottles of yogurt and beverages. As a result, the child vomited throughout the night.
Dr. Zhu Dan noted that on the 18th alone, the hospital's pediatric gastroenterology department treated over 300 children, most with strikingly similar causes: overeating and excessive consumption of cold beverages. She cautioned that children's digestive systems are still developing, making their ability to digest and absorb food relatively weak. Maintaining regular eating habits is crucial, as irregularity can easily trigger gastrointestinal disorders.
Excessive Phone Use Triggers Cervical Spine Disorders
During the holiday at home, many people couldn't put down their phones or tear their eyes away from screens. In the clinic of Liu Yang from the Massage and Physical Therapy Department at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine's Dongfang Hospital, several cases of cervical spine disorder recurrence due to prolonged phone use were seen. Liu Yang cautioned that the cervical spine is most vulnerable to maintaining a static posture for extended periods. Individuals with pre-existing cervical spine issues must pay special attention to daily care.
In his clinic, Liu Yang often shares three exercises for cervical spine care. The first is chest expansion and shoulder rotation. Bend arms upward in an arc, fingers touching shoulders. Rotate shoulders clockwise and counterclockwise 10–15 times each.The second exercise is "Neck Calligraphy." Keep the head and neck upright, imagining a sheet of paper resting under the chin. Use the cervical spine as the pen shaft and the chin as the tip to repeatedly write the Chinese character "米" (rice) on the chest.The final exercise is the head-hug neck rotation. Interlace your fingers behind your head, maintaining static tension between your head and hands. Slowly rotate your head and neck to the left, shifting the resistance center to your right hand; then rotate to the right, shifting the resistance center to your left hand. Repeat 5 to 10 times.
Liu Yang recommends taking breaks to mobilize the cervical spine. When using a computer, elevate the screen with a stand or lower the chair to maintain eye level with the display—both yield positive results.