Your ultimate guide to healthy living this Lunar New Year

Author: Health Expert Reviewer: Medical Professional Curator: Health Organization Production/Organizational Information: Health Department Title: Your ultimate guide to healthy living this Lunar New Year Introduction: Health guidelines for a safe Spring Festival: maintain a balanced diet, regular routine, exercise, and drink responsibly.

The Spring Festival is a wonderful time for family reunions and sharing joy. While enjoying the festive atmosphere, it is essential to maintain a scientific and healthy lifestyle to ensure that the reunion is both reassuring and comforting. This article provides comprehensive and practical health guidelines from six aspects: diet, daily routine, exercise, drinking, emotions, and protection.

1. Maintain a balanced diet and avoid overeating.

During the festival, dietary habits should follow the principles of balancing meat and vegetables, as well as combining coarse and fine grains. It is advisable to choose fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and high-quality proteins while reducing the intake of foods high in oil, salt, and sugar. Meals should be regular and portion-controlled to avoid overeating, which can help alleviate the burden on the gastrointestinal tract.

Pay attention to dietary hygiene by handling raw and cooked ingredients separately and ensuring that meat, seafood, and other foods are thoroughly heated and cooked. Refrigerate leftover meals promptly and heat them thoroughly before consuming; avoid eating expired or spoiled food. Actively drink enough water, prioritizing boiled water and light tea while minimizing the consumption of sugary beverages.

Establish a regular schedule and ensure sufficient sleep.

During the holidays, try to maintain a regular daily routine by going to bed early and waking up early. Avoid staying up late for entertainment or spending too much time on screens. Adults should aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep each day.

Reduce the use of electronic devices before bedtime, and maintain a quiet and comfortable indoor environment to allow both body and mind to fully relax. Adhering to a regular routine helps maintain stable immunity and reduces symptoms of discomfort such as fatigue, dizziness, and indigestion.

Engage in moderate exercise and avoid prolonged sitting.

During the Spring Festival, it is not advisable to sit or lie down for extended periods. It is recommended to engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activities each day, such as walking, doing simple household chores, stretching, or practicing Baduanjin (the Eight Pieces of Brocade). The exercise should raise body temperature slightly, and elderly individuals, children, and those with chronic illnesses should exercise according to their own capabilities.

Get up and move every hour after sitting for one hour to promote blood circulation, improve digestive function, and maintain comfort and vitality in the body.

4. Strictly control prohibitions and uphold the safety bottom line.

The festival gatherings advocate against drinking alcohol or encourage minimal consumption, discouraging others from being forced to drink, binge drinking, and becoming intoxicated. Drinking on an empty stomach is strictly prohibited. It is advised to eat a moderate amount of staple foods, vegetables, and other items before drinking to protect the gastric mucosa.

Important Reminder: It is strictly prohibited to consume alcohol while using cephalosporin antibiotics, metronidazole antibiotics, sedatives, hypnotics, antidiabetic drugs, antihypertensive medications, antipyretics, and analgesics, as this may lead to a disulfiram-like reaction, which can be life-threatening. Pregnant women, minors, patients with chronic illnesses, and individuals driving or operating machinery must abstain from alcohol entirely. Those who consume alcohol should not drive vehicles under any circumstances.

5. Regulate your emotions and enjoy the reunion.

Arrange visits to relatives and friends alongside leisure time in a reasonable manner to avoid a packed schedule and excessive fatigue. Communicate and spend time with family more, maintaining a tolerant, peaceful, and joyful mindset, while relieving anxiety and irritability promptly. A good mental state contributes to physical health, making the holiday more warm and harmonious.

6. Take proper precautions to safeguard your health.

Keep indoor spaces well-ventilated, and ensure personal protection in crowded places with poor ventilation. Develop good hygiene habits, such as frequent handwashing and covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Adjust your clothing according to the weather, paying attention to staying warm and preventing respiratory illnesses.

Chronic disease patients should take their medications regularly and monitor relevant indicators regularly. They should not stop or reduce their medication without medical guidance. If persistent discomfort occurs, they should rest promptly and seek medical attention in a timely manner.