• 地點:臺灣
• 發布日期: 2023/12/28
• 單位:內政部移民署
• 更新日期:2023/12/28
• 點閱次數:35

Amid the ongoing low temperatures, the Health Promotion Administration of the Ministry of Health and Welfare advises all individuals to be mindful of temperature fluctuations outdoors. This is in addition to seniors, patients with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia, infants and toddlers, and those who leave home early and return late or work graveyard shifts. Failure to do so may result in elevated blood pressure, heart attack, acute onset of stroke, or both. Ensure that doors and windows are not completely shut and that there is adequate ventilation to prevent temperature swings indoors. Slowing down, warming up, getting up, putting on clothes, and getting off are the sequential actions that should be performed during the waking up phase. Regarding thermal products, a wide array of options exists. Two guidelines for their usage are as follows: 1. Avoid prolonged usage. 2. Direct contact with the skin during use is not recommended. Adhere to the aforementioned reminders in order to survive the cold weather in a secure manner. Immediately seek medical attention if any anomalies become apparent.

Eight Essentials of Healthcare at Low Temperatures to Stay Healthy, Happy, and Safe

1. Environment: Do not clutter the floor, and areas, including indoor bedrooms, bathrooms, living room, etc, where the elderly are prone to falls should be well-lit to avoid increased walking difficulty. Moreover, in case of slow peripheral blood circulation in cold weather, keep an eye out for lightheadedness or chest discomfort. Maintaining a reasonable level of ventilation is just as critical as staying warm.

2. Keep warm: Recall the five-word acronym “slowing down, warming up, getting up, putting on clothes, and getting off” at all times as long as the initial step—getting up—is taken. Make sure you have easily accessible warm clothing by the bedside before retiring for the night. Remember to stretch and warm your body up by moving your limbs while still in bed to encourage blood circulation. This will help you get out of bed at any time of day. When you finally get up, take a seat at the edge of the bed and dress in warm clothes before carefully getting off the bed. Avoid strenuous activity and replenish with warm water to warm up the body.     

3. Diet: Opt for food or medicinal supplements such as soups or hotpots. You should be more cognizant of the difference between your body temperature and the temperature of the surrounding environment if there is alcohol content. Additionally, when consuming soup, prevent the temperature from rising above 65 °C. Not doing so may result in esophageal damage.

4. Bathing: Avoid bathing immediately after eating or drinking alcoholic beverages. It is recommended that a 2-hour interval be observed and that the water temperature not exceed 40°C. You should never take a bath by yourself.

5. Exercise: Before beginning an exercise routine, thoroughly warm up. High-risk populations, including individuals who engage in tobacco use, alcohol consumption, obesity, and chronic cardiovascular disease, should either exercise outdoors during the later hours of the day or opt for indoor activities. It is advisable to exercise in the company of another person so that you can mutually care for one another.

6. Consistently adhere to medication regimens and maintain emotional stability in order to effectively manage the disease: In addition to monitoring your blood sugar, blood pressure, and other vital signs, adhere to your physician’s instructions regarding medication administration and emotional stability.

7. Emergency medication and the National Health Insurance (NHI) Card should be brought: When venturing outdoors, carry the NHI card and include pertinent details such as the patient’s regular medical facility, diagnosis, and medication allergies. It is advisable to carry emergency reserve medication as prescribed by the doctor.

8. Never drive alone if you have experienced difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, palpitations, nausea, cold sweat, lightheadedness, syncope, or any symptoms that could indicate a stroke, such as an inability to properly smile, raise a hand, or say hello. Call 119 immediately and record the time of onset, then seek medical attention within three hours to take advantage of the prime treatment period.