The day begins with the morning; the year begins with spring. Before we know it, spring has arrived, a season of rebirth. As the weather gradually warms, spring is the most beautiful time of the year. However, it is also a season when "hundreds of plants sprout, and hundreds of ailments emerge." Therefore, Phoenix Health reminds you: Pay attention to health preservation during spring.
Qingming, one of the twenty-four solar terms, is an ideal time for people to go out and seek spring. For this reason, Qingming Festival is also known as the "Spring Outing Festival." The three-day holiday is tempting for many families, who seize the opportunity to take a walk in the countryside and enjoy a picnic. Qingming outings not only allow you to appreciate the beauty of nature but are also the best way to exercise and boost immunity.
Spring outings during Qingming offer numerous benefits:
1. Improve blood circulation: As temperatures rise during Qingming, light activities like countryside strolls invigorate lower-body muscles and tendons, mobilize joints, and enhance blood flow. This improves coronary circulation, making it an excellent way to strengthen the heart.
2. Massaging internal organs: Amidst lush spring grass and winding paths, leisurely strolls create gentle whole-body vibrations. These vibrations prevent plaque buildup on blood vessel walls and accelerate the clearance of internal waste. Rhythmic walking with low-frequency, moderate tremors provides a natural massage effect on internal organs.
3. Regulating Metabolism: During Qingming, spring's warmth and clear skies blanket the earth in green. Fresh air and abundant sunlight increase atmospheric anions—natural "longevity substances" that regulate metabolism and serve as ideal "antidotes" for mental tension.
However, while enjoying outdoor excursions, note the following precautions:
Preventing Pollen Allergies:Currently in peak pollen season, airborne pollen particles can cause nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, nasal itching, and generalized skin irritation when inhaled. When enjoying outdoor activities, take precautions against allergic dermatitis and pollen allergies. Avoid playing in grassy areas, forests, or damp, mosquito-infested locations.Wash your face and hands promptly upon returning home. If you develop a skin condition, avoid self-medication and seek treatment under a doctor's guidance. Individuals with allergic constitutions or allergic skin conditions like hives, dermatitis, or eczema should minimize outdoor excursions and avoid direct contact with plants that may trigger allergic reactions to prevent allergic dermatitis flare-ups.Individuals with pollen allergies should carry anti-allergy medication and wear protective gear like masks and gloves before outings, avoiding areas with blooming flowers. Midday sun exposure is strongest, coinciding with peak pollen release. Those allergic to pollen should avoid going out during this time or wear masks if they must. On rainy or overcast days, high humidity prevents pollen from dispersing easily. Especially after rain, when pollen is temporarily washed away, it is safe to go out.
Stay Warm to Prevent Colds: Recent days have seen unpredictable weather with sudden temperature swings and significant morning-evening differences. Microorganisms like bacteria and viruses thrive under these conditions. Going out without adequate warmth can easily lead to colds. Children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems require special protection. If you plan to go out for spring outings, avoid leaving too early and never go on an empty stomach.Overfatigue can also trigger colds, so avoid overly packed itineraries. Additionally, try not to stay overnight outdoors to prevent seasonal colds. It's wise to carry some cold prevention medication.
Practice food hygiene to prevent gastrointestinal illnesses: Food spoils easily during travel. Pack sealed, pre-packaged foods, especially meat products, which spoil faster than bread or similar items. Consume opened foods promptly.Wash hands thoroughly with clean running water and soap before picnicking outdoors. Avoid picking wild plants to prevent food poisoning: While many enjoy gathering wild greens during outings, refrain from picking roadside plants. These may contain excessive lead from prolonged exposure to vehicle exhaust emissions. Similarly, avoid consuming greens near polluted rivers to prevent poisoning.Wild vegetables should not be consumed in excess. For instance, bitter greens have a pungent taste; overconsumption can harm the spleen and stomach. Green vegetables contain alkaloids, and regular consumption may lead to spleen and stomach deficiency-cold. Hiking should be undertaken within one's capabilities: Individuals with heart disease, hypertension, acute or chronic bronchitis, emphysema, nephritis, anemia, tuberculosis, fever, acute infections, or active stone disease should not push themselves to hike.Additionally, individuals with little regular exercise should avoid rushing to the summit. Each year, elderly people and children sustain injuries from falls during outings—minor sprains to severe fractures. Elderly hikers should use walking sticks, and seek immediate medical attention if they fall. Parents accompanying children must closely supervise them, prohibiting climbing to prevent accidents.