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"Uncle Wang, how are you feeling these two days? Is there that one, well, that 'old hard' problem? In the small consultation room of the community health center, the young doctor, Dr. Chen, asked with a bit of humor.
Uncle Wang is a recently retired postman, a perennial bicycle rider, although he is physically strong, but recently he has been visiting doctors frequently because of bowel problems. Uncle Wang smiled a little embarrassedly, "It's still the same, Doctor Chen, my problem is really a headache, every day is like a war." ”
Bowel problems are very common among middle-aged and elderly people, but they are often overlooked, people are reluctant to talk about it, and some even ignore its impact on quality of life. Dr. Chan knows that this is not only a matter of individual physiology, but also a topic that involves a wide range of social health perceptions.
Dr Chan explained to Uncle Wong the close link between constipation difficulties and physical health. Constipation is not only uncomfortable, but can cause intestinal problems such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures and even intestinal obstruction in the long run. What's more, changes in bowel habits are sometimes an early sign of colorectal disease, such as colorectal cancer.
"Uncle Wang, constipation difficulties can be improved from three aspects: diet, exercise and regular bowel movements." Dr. Chan began to explain.
Dietary. He emphasised the importance of dietary fiber, which helps to create a soft stool volume that allows it to pass through the intestines easily. "You should eat plenty of fiber-rich foods, such as apples and leafy greens."
Dr Tan talked about the importance of exercise. "Are you going to ride less when you retire? Moderate exercise can enhance intestinal peristalsis and help the intestines work better. "He mentioned regular bowel movements." Try to have a bowel movement at the same time every day, such as after breakfast, which can help regulate your body clock and gradually develop a pattern. ”
Through this explanation, Uncle Wang has a deeper understanding of his own problems. A question suddenly occurred to him, "Dr. Chan, I heard that drinking coffee can help with bowel movements, is this true?" Can I try it? ”
Dr Chan replied, "Coffee does stimulate bowel movements, which may help relieve constipation for some people. If you don't have stomach problems, you can try drinking a little, but it's best not to rely on coffee for bowel problems. ”
Dr Tan expanded his point of view further after explaining the basic improvements, this time bringing on a topic that is not usually noticed by people, but which actually has a significant impact on bowel movements – mental health.
"Emotional and psychological states can also affect gut health." Dr. Chan began to elaborate, his words full of vivid adjectives that made the topic sound light-hearted and interesting, even if it was about medicine.
"When we feel nervous, anxious, these emotions can affect intestinal function through the nervous system, causing intestinal peristalsis to slow down, which is why sometimes we feel constipated when we are stressed." Dr Tan explains that this part of the knowledge is new and unexpected for many older people.
He continues, "So, in addition to adjusting your diet and increasing exercise, I also recommend that you try some relaxation activities such as meditation, yoga or simple breathing exercises. "Regular mental relaxation activities can significantly reduce the occurrence of constipation and improve the overall health of the gut. He hopes that through these specific examples, Uncle Wang can have a more comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted factors of health.
Subsequently, Uncle Wang looked a little thoughtful, and then asked a question: "Dr. Chen, I am very interested in the mental relaxation you said, but I have never tried it and don't know where to start?" ”
Dr. Chan replied with a smile, "For those who are just starting out, I recommend starting with simple deep breathing. Take a few minutes a day and try to sit in a quiet place, inhale deeply, exhale slowly, and feel your breathing. Not only will this help you relax, but it will also improve your blood oxygen levels, which is very beneficial for your health. ”
Through such professional advice, Uncle Wang not only has a clearer direction on how to improve his bowel problems, but also has a preliminary understanding of how to further promote intestinal health through mental health. He thanked Dr Tan for his patience and professionalism and decided to try to start implementing these recommendations at home, hoping that he would see big health benefits in these small changes.
What are your thoughts on the health of the elderly? Welcome to discuss in the comment area!