Greater Snow (Daxue) Festival: A Health Guide for Senior Citizens A Winter Health Protection Manual

Greater Snow (Daxue) Festival: A Health Guide for Senior Citizens A Winter Health Protection ManualGrandma Li often says, "After the Greater Snow, the earth enters winter, and our bodies must also adjust accordingly. The elderly need to be even more careful

Greater Snow (Daxue) Festival: A Health Guide for Senior Citizens A Winter Health Protection Manual

Grandma Li often says, "After the Greater Snow, the earth enters winter, and our bodies must also adjust accordingly. The elderly need to be even more careful." After the beginning of winter (Lidong), the cold intensifies, and the Greater Snow festival marks the peak of cold waves. For senior citizens, Greater Snow is not only a climatic marker but also an important time for health preservation. Greater Snow symbolizes "mountains filled with snow, all things hidden," and in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it's believed that cold energy is at its peak, the body's yang energy is inward, and the flow of qi and blood is sluggish. Therefore, adjustment during the Greater Snow period is crucial. If the beginning of winter is the start of adapting to the cold, then Greater Snow is the signal for the body to truly enter its winter maintenance period. Because elderly individuals experience a decline in thermoregulation and cold tolerance, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits is paramount.

Winter health preservation focuses on "gentle warming and replenishment," emphasizing warmth and protection against the cold to prevent the invasion of cold pathogens. Many people focus on warm clothing in winter, but neglect their feet. However, the feet are the body's "second heart," closely related to the body's overall blood circulation. The elderly often have poor blood circulation in their feet, leading to cold hands and feet. Therefore, soaking feet in warm water is particularly important in winter, promoting overall blood circulation and relieving cold discomfort. Furthermore, cold weather can exacerbate joint discomfort, particularly affecting the knees and spine in older adults. During the Greater Snow period, excessive exertion and strenuous activities should be avoided to prevent the invasion of dampness. Dampness can easily trigger arthritis and rheumatism. Moderate exercise is essential; leisurely activities like walking and Tai Chi are ideal choices, but strenuous exercise should be avoided to prevent putting excessive strain on the joints.

During the Greater Snow period, temperatures plummet, and the cold is intense. Senior citizens must be extra cautious; lifestyle details directly impact their health. The following points are particularly important:

I. Avoid Damp Environments:

Many elderly people enjoy going to markets or visiting friends, especially during winter when dampness is prevalent. Prolonged exposure to damp environments can easily trigger arthritis and rheumatism. Cold and dampness are extremely harmful to the health of the elderly. The invasion of dampness can cause joint stiffness and pain, affecting mobility. Therefore, elderly individuals should avoid damp places such as basements and old houses, where dampness is heavy and air circulation is poor, increasing susceptibility to cold. Those with pre-existing joint problems should stay in warm, dry environments. When going out, they should dress warmly, protecting susceptible areas like knees and necks with knee pads and scarves.

II. Two Types of Activities to Avoid:

1. Avoid Strenuous Exercise: The cold winter weather causes inward contraction of yang energy. Strenuous exercise can easily lead to qi and blood deficiency or the entry of external cold, causing joint pain and even triggering cardiovascular diseases. Moderate exercise is beneficial for health, but excessive exercise is counterproductive. Winter activities like running and mountain climbing can lead to overexertion, increased heart rate, and dizziness and shortness of breath. The elderly should avoid strenuous exercise and choose gentle activities such as walking, Tai Chi, or simple calisthenics to exercise joints without causing excessive strain.

2. Avoid Staying in Enclosed Rooms for Prolonged Periods: In the cold winter, people often stay indoors for extended periods, especially the elderly. Prolonged confinement in enclosed rooms hinders air circulation, allowing dampness to accumulate, bacteria and viruses to breed, increasing the risk of respiratory diseases and potentially leading to dizziness and fatigue. In winter, windows should be opened periodically for ventilation to promote air circulation, keep the indoor air fresh, reduce dampness, prevent bacterial growth, and safeguard health.

III. Careful Food Choices:

In winter, people crave warm, savory food. However, the elderly need to pay special attention to their diet and avoid excessive spicy and greasy food, as these stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and increase the burden on the liver. Many elderly people have stomach problems or liver issues. Excessive spicy food can easily lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, indigestion, and even peptic ulcers. While chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and black pepper provide a warming sensation, they can damage the intestines and stomach, especially for those with a history of gastrointestinal disease. The elderly should also limit their intake of cold foods, especially fruits and raw foods. In winter, yang energy is weakened, and cold foods can damage the spleen and stomach, leading to gastrointestinal dysfunction. Excessive consumption of cold fruits such as watermelon, pears, and persimmons can easily lead to diarrhea and stomach aches. Cold drinks should also be avoided, especially by those with weak spleens and stomachs, as they can cause stomach cramps and indigestion. During the Greater Snow period, elderly individuals should choose warming foods such as mutton, chicken, yam, longan, and red dates to warm the stomach, dispel cold, and boost energy.

The Greater Snow period is the peak of cold weather. Elderly individuals need to pay extra attention to their diet, activity, and warmth. Avoiding damp environments, strenuous exercise, and cold foods can not only help resist the cold but also improve immunity and maintain health. The Greater Snow period is the best time to adjust lifestyle habits and practice health preservation. By following these points, you can successfully navigate the harsh winter and welcome the vibrant spring.

What are your thoughts on health preservation for senior citizens during the Greater Snow period? We welcome discussion in the comments!

References

[1] Jie Ruining, Li Ying'e, Gao Hongcai, et al. Study on dietary behavior and influencing factors of empty nest elderly[J]. Journal of Jining Medical College, 2013, 36(01): 46-48.

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