People with cardiovascular disease should be on the lookout for signs of stroke or heart attack as temperatures are expected to drop during the Lunar New Year holiday, the Health Promotion Administration (HPA) said yesterday.
As the Central Weather Administration forecast the arrival of a continental cold mass, which is to bring temperatures down across the nation this week, the HPA said that the cold weather could cause blood vessels to constrict, increasing blood pressure, as more pressure is needed to push blood through narrowed veins and arteries.
STAY WARM
Photo: CNA
Elevated blood pressure can increase the risk of acute cardiovascular events, such as a stroke, so people should wear warm clothing, including a hat, gloves and a mask when outdoors, it said.
WARNING SIGNS
People with the “three highs” — high blood pressure, blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels — should track their health, and those with cardiovascular disease should especially watch for signs of stroke, it said.
The signs of stroke or heart attack include sudden chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, difficulty speaking, numbness or weakness in the face, an arm or a leg, especially on one side, it said.
People should immediately call 119 for an ambulance in the critical “golden hour” of a heart attack or stroke for better treatment outcomes, it added.
Elderly people and people with cardiovascular disease should consult with their doctor before entering hot baths or hot springs in cold weather, and keep in mind six points, the HPA said.
WAIT AFTER EATING
First, avoid taking a hot bath shortly after a meal, especially if they drank an alcoholic beverage or ate spicy food, and wait at least one-and-a-half to two hours after drinking or eating before entering the water.
Second, enjoy a hot spring with friends, who can quickly get help in case of an emergency.
Third, drink plenty of water before and after taking a hot bath.
Fourth, keep the water temperature at 40°C or lower, and avoid alternating between hot and cold baths.
Fifth, do not stay in the hot water for more than 15 minutes at a time.
Last, slowly stand before leaving the hot water, as the high temperatures cause blood vessels to dilate, which lowers blood pressure and can lead to dizziness and fainting, the HPA said.
Lunar New Year garbage and recycling collection schedule
There will be no service from Saturday through Monday next week.
Taipei
Feb. 8, 9 (Thurs-Fri): normal collection times in the morning; added collection times in the afternoon and evening.
Regular service resumes Feb. 13 (Tues).
New Taipei City
Feb. 8, 9 (Thurs-Fri): garbage collection begins in the morning and ends at 6pm.
Service resumes Feb. 13 (Tues).
Taoyuan
Feb. 8, 9 (Thurs-Fri): garbage collection begins at 9am; no service in the evening.
Feb. 13, 14 (Tue-Wed): garbage collection begins at 9am; no service in the evening.
Note: Fusing Township operates on a different collection schedule.
Taichung
Feb. 8 (Thurs): regular service.
Feb. 9 (Fri): regular garbage collection during the day; no service in the evening.
Service resumes Feb. 13 (Tue).
Tainan
Extra service: Feb. 8 (Thurs) and Feb. 13 (Tue).
Feb. 9 (Fri): garbage collection begins four hours early.
Service resumes Feb. 14 (Wed).
Kaohsiung
Feb. 8, 9 (Thurs-Fri): garbage collection begin at 10am and ends at 6pm.
Service resumes Feb. 13 (Tue).
source: CNA
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