In a quiet neighborhood in Beijing, Zhang Bo, a retired teacher, is preparing for his favorite season: winter. He is nearly seventy years old and has a heart that loves outdoor activities. In winter, he is always keen to wake up early to watch the snow, participate in square dancing, get together with old friends, and enjoy the leisure of retirement. However, this winter was a little different for Zhang Bo. Recently, Uncle Zhang began to feel some discomfort. At first, he just felt a little itchy pain in the thumb joints of his feet, but he didn't pay much attention to it. But as time went on, the pain became more and more intense, especially when he woke up in the morning, he felt almost unbearable. Not only is there pain in the thumb joint, but a slight redness and swelling begins to appear. This sudden change made Zhang Bo, who had always been physically tough, confused and worried. One day, Uncle Zhang mentioned his situation in a casual conversation with an old friend. A friend half-jokingly said: "Is it gout in this weather?" Although it was just a casual remark, this sentence made Uncle Zhang's heart ripple. He never thought he would be associated with such a disease. But as the symptoms persisted and intensified, he had to start thinking about the possibility.
After experiencing initial discomfort, Uncle Zhang decided to seek professional help from the hospital. In the early morning of winter, he endured severe pain and staggered to the hospital. Through a series of examinations, the doctor confirmed that Uncle Zhang's symptoms were indeed gout attacks and explained to him the cause of gout. The doctor told Uncle Zhang that gout is an arthritis caused by too much uric acid, which is a waste product produced by the body's metabolism of purines. In cooler environments, uric acid is more likely to crystallize in joints and soft tissues, which can trigger gout. In winter, the body's metabolism slows down and uric acid excretion decreases, so the probability of a gout attack increases. Doctors presented data from studies showing that during the winter months, gout patients have a 30.8% higher attack rate than in other seasons due to falling temperatures and changes in Xi lifestyle habits. This data made Zhang Bo realize that his lifestyle needed to be adjusted, especially during the cold winter months. The doctor then discussed with Zhang Bo about the lifestyle Xi that might have caused him to have a gout attack. It turned out that Uncle Zhang likes to eat seafood and drink beer on weekdays, which are high-purine foods that can easily lead to an increase in uric acid levels. Combined with a decrease in winter exercise, these factors work together to lead to gout attacks.
Under the guidance of his doctor, Zhang Bo began his journey of lifestyle adjustment. The first was a change in his diet, as he began to reduce his intake of high-purine foods in favor of foods rich in vitamin C and fiber, such as fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Zhang Bo also learned to read food labels and avoid foods that were overprocessed. In terms of exercise, he opted for gentle forms such as walking and tai chi. Although he found it a little boring at first, gradually he began to enjoy the relaxation that these activities bring. These low-impact exercises not only help keep his joints flexible, but they also help him maintain a healthy weight. Uncle's doctor is not just his therapist, but more like his life coach. At each follow-up visit, the doctor would patiently listen to Uncle Zhang's progress and challenges, and give him practical advice and encouragement. In this way, Zhang Bo feels that he is not alone, and that there is a professional team supporting him. Uncle Zhang gradually understood the close connection between gout and lifestyle. He began to pay more attention to his diet Xi, to maintain a proper weight, and to make sure he was exercising the right amount every day. Through these efforts, his gout symptoms improved significantly.
Zhang Bo also joined a support group for people with gout, where members shared their stories and experiences. He found that he was not alone, and that many people were struggling with similar challenges. With the help of the group, Uncle Zhang learned many practical tips, such as how to make healthy food choices at holiday dinners. With the end of winter, Zhang Bo's gout symptoms were effectively controlled. He is no longer afraid of the arrival of winter, but has learned how to stay healthy during the season. His story is not just about the fight against gout, it's about the positive changes that come with lifestyle changes. Chamberlain is now happy to share his experience to help others understand and cope with gout.