With the arrival of the autumnal equinox, the weather becomes cooler and the temperature difference increases. Diseases such as colds, coughs, allergic rhinitis, and diarrhea enter a high-risk period, and the risk of cardiovascular disease also increases accordingly. How to scientifically address the health challenges of autumn? On the 22nd, the National Health Commission held a press conference with the theme of "Seasonal Solar Terms and Health" and invited experts to provide answers. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is used to prevent autumn dryness and scientifically prevent influenza. During the autumn equinox season, when the weather changes from hot to cool, TCM believes that "dryness and evil are in order" and can easily damage the lungs and body fluids. Huang Yuxiao, chief physician of Xiyuan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, introduced that this year's autumnal equinox presents a characteristic of "dryness and dampness interweaving". Dry qi can make people feel dry in the mouth and nose, discomfort in the throat, and dampness can affect the function of the spleen and stomach, leading to a high incidence of diseases such as colds, coughs, allergic rhinitis, and diarrhea. How to maintain health during the Autumn Equinox season? Experts say that it is important to not only moisturize and dry, but also to pay attention to protecting gastrointestinal function and avoiding dampness troubles. For allergic rhinitis, pressing and kneading the Yingxiang acupoint with fingertips for 3 to 5 minutes can effectively clear the nasal cavity and relieve symptoms; For autumn diarrhea, dietotherapy can be used. For example, poria cocos, yam, fried coix seed, japonica rice, and lily can be used together to cook porridge and take warm, which can improve diarrhea symptoms. The National Day holiday is approaching, with an increase in personnel mobility, and respiratory infectious diseases such as influenza are entering a high-risk period. Han Jun, a researcher at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, suggests that the public should receive the flu vaccine in a timely manner, and pay attention to washing hands frequently, wearing masks scientifically, maintaining good ventilation indoors, and avoiding crowded places. If you have a travel plan, you should closely monitor the current situation of disease outbreaks in the destination and health risk warnings from relevant departments. If you experience symptoms related to infectious diseases such as fever, cough, or diarrhea before traveling, it is recommended to postpone the trip. ”Han Jun stated that at the same time, it is important to pay attention to the weather conditions at the destination and adjust clothing accordingly based on the local temperature; Pay attention to food hygiene and eat regularly during the journey; After returning, it is necessary to conduct health monitoring. If symptoms such as fever, cough, diarrhea, etc. occur, seek medical attention as soon as possible and proactively inform the doctor of the travel location and dietary situation. Cardiovascular diseases are prone to occur, and coping with temperature differences is the key. Before and after the autumnal equinox, the temperature difference between day and night is significant, and the cardiovascular system is facing challenges. Ma Wenjun, chief physician of Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, said that when the ambient temperature changes significantly in a short period of time, the blood vessels of the human body will contract and relax accordingly, which not only increases the burden on the heart, but also easily causes blood pressure fluctuations. For individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases, fluctuations in blood pressure can increase the risk of developing conditions such as angina and myocardial infarction. Experts say that the key to protection is to deal with temperature differences. You can use the "onion style dressing method", with multiple layers of thin clothing that can be added or removed at any time, especially paying attention to keeping the head, neck, back, feet and other parts warm. Patients who usually take antihypertensive drugs should pay attention to regular medication and pay attention to morning blood pressure measurement. Once blood pressure continues to rise or fluctuates significantly, it is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner and adjust medication scientifically. In terms of exercise, it is advisable to choose a time of day with suitable temperature for outdoor exercise. Warm up thoroughly before exercise, and the intensity of the exercise should be slightly warm and not excessive sweating, to avoid catching a cold from the wind after exercise. Regarding the sayings of "covering up in spring and freezing in autumn" and "sticking on autumn fat", Ma Wenjun said that patients with hypertension and cardiovascular disease should be "warm in autumn" and not "frozen in autumn" to avoid cold stimulation causing arterial plaque rupture and thrombosis, which can trigger acute myocardial infarction or cerebral infarction. The concept of 'sticking to autumn fat' should also be scientifically understood. For people with high cardiovascular risk, it is not advisable to blindly supplement. Instead, it is important to supplement with dietary fiber and high-quality protein, and increase muscle mass through moderate resistance exercises. Scientific medication should not be relaxed, and home medicine cabinets should be well managed in daily life. Some people have misconceptions about drug use. Zhang Haiying, chief pharmacist of Peking University People's Hospital, said that prescription drugs can only be purchased and used with a physician's prescription, such as injections, antibiotics, antihypertensive drugs, hypoglycemic drugs, etc. Improper use of drugs may lead to serious adverse drug reactions, drug dependence, etc. At the same time, prescription drugs must be strictly used according to medical advice, including dosage, usage, and course of treatment, which cannot be adjusted by oneself. Non prescription drugs include common medications for treating colds, fever, cough, headaches, as well as vitamin supplements. Before use, it is necessary to carefully read the instructions. According to different levels of safety, over-the-counter drugs can be divided into Class A over-the-counter drugs and Class B over-the-counter drugs. Class A over-the-counter drugs need to be purchased and used under the guidance of pharmacists in pharmacies. Some people believe that "expired drugs only have poor efficacy and can be taken without spoilage." In response, Zhang Haiying said that it is not recommended to take expired drugs, as they are prone to a decrease in the content of effective ingredients and may also undergo chemical spoilage, breed bacteria, and pose safety hazards. Experts suggest that home medicine storage should be stored according to the instructions, avoiding direct sunlight and humid environments. It should be classified and safely managed. The expiration date of the medicine should be checked every 3 to 6 months, and expired or spoiled medicine should be disposed of in a timely manner. At the same time, attention should be paid to the difference between the expiration date of opened drugs and unopened drugs. For example, the expiration date of eye drops after opening is generally within 4 weeks. If they are not used up after 4 weeks, it is recommended to dispose of them in a timely manner. (New Society)