Recently in Guangzhou, Uncle Wang's story offers us an important health tip. Uncle Wang, a retired worker, has just recovered from a cold, but his body has not fully recovered. One day, on the bus, he met his old friend, Dr. Chen, a senior internist working in a local tertiary hospital.
Dr. Chen inquired with concern about Uncle Wang's recovery and began to explain the far-reaching impact of colds on the health of middle-aged and elderly people. He points out that a cold is more than just a simple viral infection. For middle-aged and elderly people, it may accelerate the aging process, especially the impact on the brain and cardiovascular system cannot be ignored.
Dr Chan explained that colds can deplete the body's immunity, accelerate cell aging, affect brain function, and may even increase the risk of heart disease. For middle-aged and elderly people, immunity has declined due to age, and colds are a severe test of physical function.
Dr. Chan advises that during the recovery period of a cold, middle-aged and elderly people should pay special attention to nutrition and rest to avoid overexertion. Increasing your intake of vegetables and fruits, maintaining moderate physical activity, and ensuring adequate rest are all key to promoting recovery.
Why are elderly people prone to colds?
First, we need to recognize that as we age, our respiratory system may no longer be as strong as it was when we were younger, which can affect our immunity. Once the immunity is weakened, the cold can easily break into our lives like an uninvited guest. Therefore, in the spring, if you are not careful, you may find a cold.
Next, let's talk about vitamin C. It is a key immune booster that can significantly improve the antiviral capacity of our body's neutral white blood cells and lymphocytes. As you age, it becomes especially important to make sure you have enough vitamin C in your body. Not only does it help us prevent colds, but it also strengthens our overall immune system.
Finally, we need to realize that colds usually take longer to recover from in older people than in younger people. Once sick, colds can recur, and the recovery period can be as long as two to three weeks. Therefore, prevention is particularly important.
How to treat a cold correctly, you should do the following
1. Drinking Water and Metabolism:
Drinking water in moderation is essential to promote drug excretion and speed up the body's metabolism. Especially during illness, it is recommended to drink about 300 ml of water each time to ensure that the total water intake throughout the day reaches about 2000 ml.
2. Principle of rational use of drugs:
Children: If your child has a cold and worsening symptoms such as high fever and cough, they should seek medical attention.
Young people: Mild cold symptoms, such as cough and runny nose, can usually be managed with rest and home remedies.
Older adults: Older adults, especially those with chronic medical conditions (e.g., heart disease, lung disease), should be prioritized for medical care.
Special populations: such as pregnant and lactating women, should be treated under the guidance of a doctor.
3. Understanding of "Sweat Covering" Therapy:
The "sweating" treatment is mainly aimed at the early stage of wind and cold, and its symptoms include cold intolerance and lack of sweating. However, excessive sweating may weaken the immune system and worsen the condition. It is recommended to maintain indoor ventilation and increase water intake appropriately.
4. Misconceptions about infusion therapy:
Over-reliance on fluids when you have a cold is not conducive to a quick recovery, as infusions are mainly used to relieve pain and stay hydrated. In addition, care should also be taken when taking oral medications not to overdose or mix different medications to avoid the potential risk of liver damage.
What are the signs of aging in the body?
Skin aging: The skin becomes thinner and more fragile over time, and wounds heal more slowly. The dermal layer in the skin is reduced, leading to the appearance and deepening of wrinkles.
Hair changes: Aging causes hair to gradually turn gray and decrease. This is due to the weakened function of melanocytes in the hair follicles.
Age spots: These are usually due to increased lipid peroxidation, manifesting as dark spots or pigmentation on the skin.
Osteoporosis: As we age, bones become progressively loose and fragile, which can lead to loose or lost teeth, increasing the risk of fractures.
Changes in the vascular system: Blood vessels gradually harden and weaken with age, which can lead to a decline in heart function, such as decreased cardiac output and even degeneration of heart valves.
Effects of the nervous system: Aging can also affect the nervous system, leading to slower reactions, decreased memory and judgment, reduced motor coordination, and even reduced sensitivity to thermoregulation.
While these aging phenomena are natural physiological processes, understanding them can help us better adapt to these changes and take steps to slow their effects. With appropriate lifestyle choices and medical interventions, we can maintain a better quality of life in old age.