I. Normal physical indicators

1. Normal physical indicators

Daily body temperature fluctuations should not exceed 1°C.

At rest, the pulse rate is around 75 beats per minute.

A normal adult breathes 16 to 20 times per minute.

Bowel movements are regular, occurring 1-2 times per day.

The daily urine output is around 1500 ml.

A woman's menstrual cycle is considered abnormal if it is more than 15 days earlier or later than normal.

For adults, 6 to 8 hours of sleep is considered normal.

2. Normal blood pressure values

Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by blood on the inner walls of blood vessels. It varies with age and from person to person, and usually decreases during rest or sleep and increases during exercise or mental stress.

A systolic blood pressure of 90–140 mmHg and a diastolic blood pressure of 60–90 mmHg are considered normal blood pressure. If repeated measurements consistently show blood pressure higher than 140/90 (systolic/diastolic), hypertension should be suspected.

3. Normal blood lipid levels

The normal blood lipid levels (unit: mg/100 ml) are as follows:

Total lipids – 400–700 mg (average 500 mg);

Triglycerides – 10–160 mg (average 100 mg);

Cholesterol – 150–250 mg (average 200 mg);

Phospholipids – 150–250 mg (average 200 mg).

Dietary fat has a significant impact on blood lipid levels. After consuming a high-fat diet, plasma lipid levels can temporarily rise sharply, only returning to normal after 3 to 6 hours.

Abnormal fat metabolism can cause diabetes, steatorrhea, fatty liver, obesity, hyperlipidemia, arteriosclerosis and other diseases.

4. Standards for Obesity

Men with more than 20% body fat and women with more than 28% body fat are considered obese.

The method for determining this standard is as follows: For men, standard weight (in kilograms) equals height (in centimeters) minus 105; for women, it's height minus 100. A weight difference of 10% or more is considered overweight, and a difference of 20% to 30% or more is considered obese. Individuals with exceptionally well-developed muscles are excluded from this category.

II. How to conduct a self-test for your body

1. How to measure body temperature

First, shake the thermometer vigorously a few times to bring the mercury column below 35°C. Then, wipe it with a cotton ball soaked in 75% alcohol. Next, place the end with the mercury in your mouth or tightly under your armpit (if there is sweat under your armpit, wipe it dry first). Remove it after five or six minutes.

Don't be nervous when removing it; as long as you don't shake it, the mercury column won't change. Normal human body temperature is around 37℃; a temperature above 37.3℃ is considered a fever. 37.4℃～38℃ is a low-grade fever, 38.1℃～39℃ is a moderate fever, 39.1℃～41℃ is a high fever, and above 41℃ is a very high fever.

For low-grade and moderate fever, do not use antipyretics immediately; consult a doctor to determine the cause. For high fever and extremely high fever, immediately use physical cooling methods and seek medical attention promptly.

2. How to measure respiration?

A normal person's breathing rate can vary with age, activity level, and emotional state. Younger children breathe faster: infants breathe about 60 times per minute, toddlers about 25-30 times per minute, school-aged children about 20-25 times per minute, and adults about 16-20 times per minute.

To measure respiration, eliminate any tension and perform the measurement in a quiet environment. Observe the rise and fall of the chest and abdomen; one rise and fall constitutes one breath. When breathing is shallow and difficult to observe, place a cotton thread at the nostril and observe the number of times it is blown out; this is the number of breaths.

3. How to measure the pulse?

The normal pulse rate for an infant is 120-140 beats per minute, for a toddler 90-100 beats per minute, for a school-aged child 80-90 beats per minute, and for an adult 70-80 beats per minute. Exercise and emotional excitement can increase the pulse rate, while rest and sleep can decrease it.

The most convenient and commonly used way to measure the pulse is by using the thumb to measure the radial artery on the wrist, followed by the temporal artery near the external auditory canal and the carotid arteries on both sides of the neck.

The pulse should be measured in a quiet environment. You can use your index, middle, and ring fingers to press on the artery side by side until you can feel the pulse. Each measurement should last for 1 minute.

A normal pulse has a regular rhythm and even pulsation force. If the pulse rhythm is irregular, you should go to the hospital for diagnosis and treatment in time.

4. How should seniors undergo physical examinations?

Older adults should have regular physical examinations to detect and treat potential diseases promptly. The following items should be prioritized in routine physical examinations for older adults:

Weigh yourself: Being overweight can easily lead to cardiovascular disease, while being underweight can lead to a decrease in immunity.

Blood pressure measurement: Both high and low blood pressure should be taken seriously.

Urine test: Early detection of kidney disease and diabetes.

Electrocardiogram (ECG): Detects heart disease early.

Fundus examination: Fundus examination can detect age-related cataracts, primary glaucoma and other diseases at an early stage.

Chest X-ray: Early detection of lung diseases, especially important for smokers to have regular checkups.

Fecal occult blood test: Early detection of digestive tract diseases and cancer.

Digital rectal examination: helps detect rectal cancer, prostate cancer in men, benign prostatic hyperplasia, etc.

5. Diagnosis of early pregnancy

Women of childbearing age can determine whether they are pregnant by considering the following factors:

Menstrual period delayed by more than half a month; lethargy, lower back pain and leg weakness, drowsiness; paroxysmal nausea or vomiting, decreased appetite; craving for sour or sweet foods; easily agitated and less calm than usual; significantly increased vaginal discharge, decreased libido; hardened nipples, darkening of the areola.

6. Identification of Vitamin Deficiency

(1) Vitamin A deficiency.

Deep, noticeable white lines appear on the nails; hair becomes dry and brittle; skin becomes rough; memory declines; mood swings and insomnia occur. The eyes are sensitive to light, easily fatigued, prone to conjunctivitis, have poor resistance to colds, and experience hair loss.

(2) Vitamin B1 deficiency.

Allergic reaction to sound, intermittent soreness in the calves; indigestion, lack of stamina, rough skin, poor complexion, and sometimes numbness in the hands and feet; unable to see in bright light but able to see clearly in dim light.

(3) Vitamin B2 deficiency.

Prone to angular cheilitis, conjunctivitis, and various skin diseases; hypersensitive to light; oily skin; increased dandruff; insomnia; halitosis; unexplained headaches; and mental fatigue.

(4) Vitamin B6 deficiency.

Muscle spasms, non-healing wounds, excessive nausea and vomiting in pregnant women, red and swollen tongue, bad breath, oral ulcers, low mood, rough or detached cornea due to malnutrition, and eyelid edema.

(5) Vitamin B12 deficiency.

Symptoms include loss of appetite, poor memory, difficulty concentrating, loss of balance, intermittent, non-localized pain, soreness in fingers and toes, and anemia.

(6) Vitamin C deficiency.

Frequent nosebleeds, susceptibility to colds, dry mouth and throat, difficulty adapting to changes in ambient temperature, slow wound healing, weakness, bleeding gums, and a thick tongue coating.

(7) Vitamin E deficiency.

Weakness in the limbs, excessive sweating, dry skin, split ends, mental stress, and menstrual cramps in women.

III. How to read a doctor's lab report

1. Look at the liver function test report

In a quantitative bilirubin test, a bilirubin level exceeding 1 mg per 100 ml of serum is considered abnormal; the higher the level, the more severe the jaundice.

Another indicator is the "jaundice index," which has a normal value of below 8 units. If it exceeds the normal value, it also indicates jaundice.

The thymol turbidity test, also known as T·T·T, can be used to assess the degree of hepatocellular damage. Normal values ​​are 0–6 units; values ​​exceeding 6 units are considered abnormal.

In the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity test, also known as GPT, the concentration of GPT in the blood increases when liver cells are damaged. Because different hospitals use different testing methods, their guidelines for normal ALT values ​​also vary.

2. Review the routine stool test report.

Normal human feces are generally yellow and formed, without blood or mucus, and without red blood cells, white blood cells, parasite eggs, or protozoa.

If the stool is clay-colored or grayish-white, it may indicate biliary obstruction.

If the stool is tarry black, it may indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract or the ingestion of medications such as activated charcoal or iron supplements.

If the stool is red, it may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, especially if there is a disease of the colon, rectum, or anus, which should be taken seriously.

The presence of red and white blood cells in the stool at levels "+ to ++" or higher may indicate bacillary dysentery; the presence of only white blood cells usually suggests enteritis; and the presence of only red blood cells often indicates colitis, tumors, polyps, intestinal tuberculosis, or hemorrhoidal bleeding. Testing for worm eggs can detect roundworm or tapeworm eggs in the stool.

3. Review the routine urinalysis report.

On a urine test report, if some items are marked with a "+" sign (or "++", "+++", indicating different degrees), it indicates a positive result; conversely, a "-" sign indicates a negative result.

A positive result is usually a sign of urinary tract disease.

If the report shows a large number of white blood cells (WBC++ to +++) and epithelial cells, it often indicates a urinary tract infection.

The presence of a large number of red blood cells (RBC+ to +++) in the urine indicates kidney stones, tumors, acute nephritis, cystitis, or urinary tract injury.

If a urine test shows positive casts, it indicates some kidney damage, commonly seen in acute and chronic nephritis, pyelonephritis, and renal syndrome; if a urine glucose test is positive, it is very likely diabetes.

4. Uses of an electrocardiogram (ECG)

Generally speaking, an electrocardiogram (ECG) can identify various arrhythmias, diagnose atrial and ventricular hypertrophy, pericarditis, myocarditis, and cardiomyopathy, among other things.

In the absence of biochemical testing, hypokalemia, hyperkalemia, and hypocalcemia all show specific changes on electrocardiograms, buying time for treatment.

In addition, the effects of medication on the myocardium can also be reflected through an electrocardiogram (ECG). For example, whether digitalis, used to treat heart failure, has achieved its therapeutic effect can be reflected on an ECG.

IV. Preparations before the inspection

1. Preparation before an electrocardiogram (ECG) examination

Electrocardiogram (ECG) and exercise ECG testing are commonly used methods for diagnosing heart disease. Before undergoing an ECG examination, one should rest quietly for about 5 minutes. The examination should not be performed after running, eating a full meal, consuming cold drinks, or smoking, as this may lead to abnormal ECG readings and affect the diagnosis of the disease.

2. Preparation for Electroencephalogram (EEG) Examination

You must wash your hair the day before the EEG and cannot use hair oil.

Do not take sedatives, stimulants, or other medications that affect the nervous system 24 hours before the examination, so as not to affect the accuracy and reliability of the test results.

3. Precautions for laboratory testing

If blood is needed for biochemical tests, it should be drawn on an empty stomach before breakfast for more accurate results. This is especially important for tests such as liver function, fasting blood glucose, and blood lipids, where the fasting requirement is even more stringent.

4. CT Scan Instructions

You cannot wear metal objects when having a CT scan, and you cannot take any metallic medications one week before the scan.

Fasting and abstaining from water are mandatory before an abdominal CT scan to prevent artifacts that could affect image quality. Fasting and abstaining from water are not necessary for CT scans of other body parts.

5. Instructions for Ultrasound Examination

When undergoing an ultrasound examination, patients should pay attention to the following points:

Ultrasound examinations of the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas should be performed on an empty stomach before breakfast; no food or water should be consumed.

Patients undergoing ultrasound examinations of the bladder, prostate, uterus, and uterine adnexa should empty their bowels, drink plenty of water, and hold their urine to fully fill their bladder.

When performing examinations of the pleural cavity, abdominal cavity, and pericardial cavity, if there is fluid accumulation, the doctor should not wipe off the positioning medication mark after locating the fluid, as this is the location selection made by the doctor before puncture.

In addition, patients who have undergone barium meal radiography and radioisotope examinations should not undergo ultrasound examinations in the short term.

6. Preparation before fiberoptic endoscopy

Fiberoptic endoscopy can be divided into bronchoscopy, gastroscopy, and colonoscopy.

Before undergoing a bronchoscopy, patients should fast and abstain from water for four hours to avoid vomiting due to the stimulation of the examination. Those wearing dentures should remove them before the examination to prevent them from falling out and accidentally entering the trachea or esophagus.

It is best to have a gastroscopy before breakfast to prevent vomiting during intubation and the influence of food on the examination. You should also empty your bladder and bowels before the examination.

Three days before a colonoscopy, you should eat low-residue foods, take a laxative the day before the examination, and have an enema three hours before the examination to empty the stool from your intestines.

7. Preparation before contrast imaging examination

Contrast examinations can be divided into various types, such as cholangiography, cardiovascular angiography, and urinary tract angiography.

Before undergoing an oral contrast agent test for biliary tract infection, eat fatty food at noon the day before the test to promote gallbladder emptying, and have a light, high-sugar dinner. Take the contrast agent as instructed by your doctor around 7 pm after dinner, and then fast.

When undergoing venography, eat a fatty meal at noon the day before the examination and fast on the morning of the examination.

You should fast for 3 to 4 hours before undergoing selective cardiovascular angiography and carefully practice the movements required for the examination, such as inhalation and breath-holding, to cooperate with the examination.

For urinary tract and male reproductive system contrast examinations, the patient should eat soft food for dinner the day before and take a laxative in the evening to clear any accumulated gas and feces from the intestines. The bladder should be emptied before the examination.

Health Standards

I. A Health Formula That Affects a Lifetime

The simplest formula for health is: health is directly proportional to emotional stability, exercise, and a moderate diet, and inversely proportional to laziness and the habit of drinking and smoking.

Most deaths from cardiovascular disease and cancer are related to unhealthy habits. Heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes are all linked to lack of exercise; oral and lung cancer are linked to smoking; gastrointestinal, breast, and prostate cancers are linked to excessive consumption of fatty foods and refined products lacking fiber; and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to cirrhosis, gastroenteritis, and other diseases.

Human life activities have their own inherent rhythms. When a person's eating, sleeping, and other lifestyle habits conform to these rhythms, the body is healthy, vitality is strong, and aging can be slowed down, thus embarking on the path to longevity.

II. Ten Standards for Physical and Mental Health

Having enough energy to cope with the pressures of daily life and work without feeling overly stressed.

They are optimistic, have a positive attitude, are willing to take responsibility, and are not picky about anything, no matter how small.

Good at resting and has good sleep.

It has strong adaptability and can adapt to various changes in the environment.

It can resist the common cold and infectious diseases.

A suitable weight, a well-proportioned figure, and coordinated head, arm, and hip positions when standing.

Bright, non-inflammatory eyes with sharp reflexes.

Teeth are clean, with no cavities, no pain, normal gum color, and no bleeding.

Hair is shiny and dandruff-free.

The muscles and skin are elastic, making walking feel easy.

III. 10 Methods for Self-Monitoring of Health

Weight: Generally stable, with a weight gain or loss of no more than 4 kg within a month; anything exceeding this is considered abnormal.

Body temperature: generally around 37℃, with daily temperature fluctuations not exceeding 1℃; fluctuations exceeding 1℃ are considered abnormal.

Pulse: around 75 beats per minute, generally no less than 60 beats and no more than 100 beats per minute;

Breathing: A normal adult breathes 16 to 20 times per minute, with a breathing rate to heart rate ratio of 1:4. Breathing less than 10 times or more than 24 times per minute is considered abnormal.

Bowel movements: Generally regular, 1-2 times a day. If there is no bowel movement for more than 3 consecutive days, or more than 4 times a day, it is abnormal.

Food intake: Maintain a daily intake of about 1 to 1.5 kilograms. It is abnormal to eat more than 3 times the normal amount of food or less than 1/3 of the normal amount of food for a week.

Urine output: The urine output in a day is around 1500 ml. It is abnormal if the urine output is more than 2500 ml in 24 hours for 3 consecutive days, or less than 500 ml in a day.

Menstruation: The menstrual cycle of an adult woman is about 28 days. A cycle that is more than 15 days earlier or later than normal is considered abnormal.

Fertility: If a normal adult man and woman are married and have unprotected sex for 3 years without conceiving, it is considered abnormal.

Sleep: Able to get up and sleep on time every day, with 6 to 8 hours of sleep. Less than 4 hours or more than 15 hours a day is considered abnormal.

IV. 10 Health Crises

1. Between the ages of 30 and 50, a large belly develops, creating a breeding ground for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and coronary heart disease.

2. Progressive hair loss, premature baldness, and alopecia areata. These are external manifestations of excessive stress and prolonged mental tension.

3. Premature menopause in women and premature sexual dysfunction, low libido, or loss of libido in men.

4. Forgetting the name or title of an acquaintance when you meet them.

5. Mental arithmetic ability has decreased, and the child relies on counting on their fingers for help.

6. Frequently pessimistic, disappointed, and irritable; prone to blaming others and taking out their frustrations on family members or subordinates.

7. Frequent urination and defecation during middle age indicate insufficient kidney qi or gastrointestinal problems.

8. Frequent dizziness, headaches, and tinnitus, but doctors cannot find any specific organic disease during physical examinations.

9. Restless sleep, easily awakened by the slightest noise, and unable to fall back asleep after waking up, instead feeling even more tired all over.

10. It is difficult to concentrate on anything, and efficiency is declining.

V. Cholesterol and Human Health

High levels of cholesterol in the body can lead to cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, and arteriosclerosis, but cholesterol also plays a very important role in the human body.

Cholesterol is an important lipid substance found in various tissues and fluids of the human body, especially abundant in nerve tissues such as the brain and spinal cord. Cholesterol is not only an important component of biological membranes (such as cell membranes), but also has a significant impact on the functions of the digestive and endocrine systems.

There is no need to panic about ingesting cholesterol in daily life. As long as the body's cholesterol metabolism proceeds normally and in a coordinated manner, constantly being converted and consumed, maintaining a normal level of only 150-250 mg per 100 ml of blood plasma, one can avoid harm and benefit from the cholesterol.

VI. Waist Circumference and Lifespan

The larger the waist-to-hip ratio, the greater the risk of sudden death from heart disease. Among 50-year-old men, those who are thin but have a large belly have a 29% risk of death before age 70, while those who are obese but have a small waist have only a 5% chance. A man whose waist circumference is the same size as his hips is in the most dangerous category.

The standard for assessing health based on the waist-to-hip ratio differs for women because women have different pelvic sizes. If the waist is below 67.6 cm, even if a woman is overweight, the risk is relatively low. However, if the waist is above 77 cm, the risk is much higher.

Cardiovascular system

I. Warning Signs of a Stroke

Stroke symptoms occur when a blood clot or blocked blood vessel cuts off the blood flow to the brain, and in severe cases, it can be life-threatening.

95% of stroke patients will experience the following early warning signs:

1. Numbness. A sudden numbness or tingling sensation in one arm, leg, or one side of the face.

2. Difficulty speaking momentarily.

3. Temporary loss of vision, lasting only a few seconds or minutes.

4. Dizziness, unsteady gait, and sudden falls.

5. Unusual, severe headache, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting.

6. Sudden changes in personality habits, decreased judgment, and unusual forgetfulness.

7. Yawning, a deep breathing action, increases oxygen intake and can temporarily relieve fatigue. However, frequent yawning in middle-aged and elderly people, especially those with hypertension or cerebral arteriosclerosis, may be a warning sign of ischemic stroke and should be taken seriously.

In daily life, a light diet is recommended, avoiding high-fat foods, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining an optimistic and stable mental state, preventing excitement, and keeping warm are all positive factors in preventing ischemic stroke.

If any of the above symptoms appear, you should go to the hospital for examination and treatment in a timely manner to avoid any accidents. Once diagnosed, treatment measures should be taken actively.

II. Warning Signs of Cerebrovascular Disease

1. Dizziness and speech difficulties

Sudden onset of visual disturbances, lasting for a prolonged period, sometimes accompanied by nausea, double vision, and tongue stiffness when speaking; sudden onset of speech difficulties, lasting from 10 to 20 seconds to several hours before spontaneous recovery, is often a precursor to cerebral ischemia.

2. Severe headache

If a patient with hypertension experiences a sudden, severe headache, accompanied by vomiting, or even brief loss of consciousness, they should be wary of a ruptured blood vessel in the brain and subsequent bleeding.

3. Hemiparesis

Frequent numbness on one side of the body in middle-aged and elderly people may be a sign of small blood vessel disease in the brain.

4. Sudden amnesia

Suddenly forgetting events from the past few years, then recovering after a few hours while maintaining good self-awareness and clear consciousness, is often a precursor to an acute cerebrovascular event.

III. Early warning signs of heart disease

Sometimes heart disease doesn't present with typical symptoms, but rather manifests as discomfort in other parts of the body, which should raise people's awareness.

1. Toothache

A small number of people experience toothache during an angina attack. Therefore, if middle-aged or elderly people suddenly experience toothache, especially if it is accompanied by chest tightness or profuse sweating, they should consider the possibility of an angina attack and seek immediate treatment.

2. Lower extremity edema

Swelling in the lower limbs of middle-aged and elderly people is often a symptom of heart disease, and they should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

3. Shoulder pain

Sometimes heart disease can also manifest as shoulder pain, especially shoulder pain unrelated to the weather, and characterized by intermittent aches and pains in the left shoulder and inner side of the left arm. Therefore, middle-aged and elderly people experiencing left shoulder pain should seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis.

4. Long-term persistent snoring

Middle-aged and elderly people who snore persistently should be aware of the risk of cardiovascular disease.

5. Tinnitus

Recent studies have found that heart patients often experience tinnitus to varying degrees in the early stages. Therefore, middle-aged and elderly individuals who experience frequent tinnitus should consult a doctor for examination.

IV. Early signs of arteriosclerosis

The following symptoms often indicate the possibility of arteriosclerosis.

Arcus senilis: A grayish-white ring appears around the cornea, called arcus senilis.

Xanthelasma palpebrarum: Yellowish patches appear on the inner side of the eyelid skin, either unilaterally or symmetrically. They initially appear small, slightly raised above the skin, and develop slowly.

Inner ear reactions: Tinnitus, hearing loss, or dizziness may occur.

Earlobe wrinkles: Wrinkles on the earlobe are a specific sign of arteriosclerosis.

In addition, many people experience memory loss and forgetfulness; frequent dizziness and headaches, which vary in severity; emotional instability and impulsivity, and incoherent speech; trembling fingers when handling objects; slow movements and sluggish reactions; and an unusual sensation of ants crawling on the skin.

V. Prevention of Myocardial Infarction

Myocardial infarction is a serious disease, with the highest incidence around 1 a.m., and a mortality rate as high as 10% to 15%.

The symptoms include persistent chest pain that spreads to both arms, abdomen, between the shoulder blades and jaw; a strong feeling of tightness and burning in the chest cavity; sudden collapse, pale and bloodless face, cold sweat on the forehead and upper lip, but without loss of consciousness; difficulty breathing, forcing one to sit or lie down.

In daily life, one should avoid emotional fluctuations, avoid excessive excitement, avoid overeating, eat more vegetables and less meat, avoid prolonged strenuous exercise and heavy physical labor, and abstain from smoking and alcohol.

In addition, when falling asleep at night, elevating the head of the bed by 5 to 10 centimeters can reduce the workload on the heart and play a positive role in preventing myocardial infarction.

Under the guidance of a doctor, long-term oral administration of low-dose aspirin (or in combination with dipyridamole) can also have good therapeutic effects.

VI. Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases

1. Measure blood pressure and assess the situation.

If elevated blood pressure is detected, consult a doctor to determine the cause and guide treatment to prevent persistently high blood pressure.

2. Maintain a balanced diet and control your weight.

Develop good eating habits, eat more light meals, more vegetables and fruits, and avoid overeating.

3. Do not smoke or drink alcohol.

Alcohol and nicotine can accelerate arteriosclerosis, leading to cardiovascular disease.

4. Eat light and bland flavors, and consume less salt.

High sodium levels in the blood can lead to high blood pressure, so it's important to develop a habit of eating less salt.

5. Balance work and rest, and increase physical activity.

Prolonged mental stress and fatigue can lead to cardiovascular disease, while appropriate daily exercise can improve physical fitness and maintain a good mental state.

VII. Dietary Guidelines for Patients with Hypertension

1. Control calorie intake

It is recommended to eat complex carbohydrates, such as corn, millet, oats and other foods rich in plant fiber, and to eat less glucose, fructose and sucrose.

2. Limit fat intake.

Use more vegetable oils and eat more fish, especially sea fish, because sea fish contain more linoleic acid, which can increase the elasticity of capillaries and prevent blood vessel rupture.

3. Consume adequate protein.

The recommended intake is based on a daily intake of one kilogram of body weight. Regular consumption of skim milk, yogurt, tofu, and seafood is also beneficial.

Eat more foods rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium, and low in sodium, such as potatoes, taro, eggplant, kelp, lettuce, winter melon, and watermelon.

4. A light diet is recommended.

Daily salt intake should be below 5 grams. At the same time, pay attention to the sodium content of foods, such as noodles which are high in sodium. When steaming buns, avoid using baking soda; instead, use yeast to leaven the dough.

Eating more green vegetables and fresh fruits is beneficial for myocardial metabolism and helps prevent the development of hypertension. Limit your intake of meat broths, as they contain increased nitrogenous extractives, leading to higher uric acid levels and increasing the burden on the heart, liver, and kidneys.

5. Avoid foods that stimulate the nervous system.

Smokers should quit smoking if they consume alcohol, strong tea, coffee, or similar beverages.

Digestive system

I. Rectal bleeding and disease

1. Diseases of the anus and lower intestine

Blood in the stool is bright red, with blood adhering to the outside of the stool, or dripping bright red blood after defecation. Itching and pain in the anus, or constipation, are common in hemorrhoids and anal fissures. If there is eroded tissue mixed in with the blood in the stool, it may be rectal cancer.

2. Colonic diseases

Bloody stools are bright red, small in quantity, and accompanied by a large amount of mucus or pus. They are mainly characterized by diarrhea, accompanied by symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, and tenesmus.

Common diseases include bacillary dysentery, amoebic dysentery, colitis, and schistosomiasis. In addition to bloody stools, colon cancer can cause obstruction and abdominal masses.

3. Small intestinal diseases

Dark-colored bloody stools, resembling thin red bean soup, and in large quantities, are commonly seen in typhoid fever, hemorrhagic necrotizing enteritis, etc.

4. Intussusception

It is most common in children under two years old and presents as bloody stool resembling jam.

II. Causes of Hematemesis

1. Duodenal ulcer

Those with a history of peptic ulcer disease will vomit blood that is dark red in color and accompanied by black stools.

2. Chronic gastritis

The bleeding was minimal, and the patient experienced symptoms such as upper abdominal pain after eating and indigestion.

3. Cirrhosis

Bleeding is caused by ruptured esophageal and gastric varices, resulting in a large amount of bright red vomiting blood.

4. Cancer

Esophageal cancer: mostly presents as small, persistent bleeding, and patients are mostly elderly men, accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, hiccups, and weight loss.

Stomach cancer: Vomiting blood is coffee grounds-like, and pain relief is not significant after vomiting blood. It usually occurs in people over 40 years of age.

5. Biliary tract diseases

Fever precedes hematemesis, and colic is relieved after hematemesis.

III. Causes of Constipation

There are many causes of constipation, the most common of which include the following:

1. Weakness in the muscles responsible for defecation can lead to constipation. This can occur after multiple pregnancies and childbirths.

2. Intestinal spasms can cause alternating diarrhea and constipation, accompanied by symptoms such as excitability, irritability, lethargy, and excessive sweating.

3. An overly picky diet, excessive emphasis on refined foods, and too little fiber can slow down intestinal peristalsis and cause constipation.

4. Not developing a regular bowel movement habit, or holding in bowel movements, can lead to constipation.

Therefore, people with constipation need to adjust their diet, drink more water, and eat more vegetables, fruits, or fiber-rich foods. They should also develop a regular bowel movement habit, actively participate in physical activities, and perform defecation exercises to strengthen the function of their defecation muscles.

IV. The Dangers of Constipation

Constipation often leads to upper abdominal fullness and discomfort, nausea, and vomiting.

Constipation can also cause loss of appetite, lethargy, dizziness and weakness, and over time it can lead to anemia and malnutrition.

Straining during bowel movements can contribute to the formation of hemorrhoids.

Chronic constipation prevents the timely elimination of toxins from the body, which can lead to skin diseases, inflammation, tumors, and other ailments.

If you have chronic diseases such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, constipation can lead to or exacerbate complications.

Therefore, one should develop good lifestyle habits, such as regular bowel movements, avoiding prolonged standing or sitting, eating more fruits and vegetables, and eating less spicy and hot foods.

V. Diagnosis of Diarrhea

1. Characteristics of feces

Diarrhea caused by small intestinal lesions is usually characterized by loose or watery stools.

Diarrhea caused by colonic lesions often presents with pasty stools.

Diarrhea containing pus, blood, and mucus, accompanied by tenesmus, is commonly seen in bacterial dysentery, amoebic dysentery, etc.

The stool is dark red or bloody, contains small clots of pus and blood, is copious, and has a foul odor, which are characteristics of acute amoebic dysentery.

The stool is large in volume, has an abnormally foul odor, and is grayish-white and oily, indicating diarrhea caused by impaired fat digestion and absorption.

2. Accompanying symptoms

Acute diarrhea accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever usually indicates intestinal bacterial infection, food poisoning, or Salmonella infection.

Chronic diarrhea accompanied by fever is commonly seen in chronic dysentery, schistosomiasis, intestinal tuberculosis, and colon cancer.

Severe diarrhea, accompanied by violent vomiting, fever, severe dehydration, and watery stools resembling rice water, indicating a critical condition, should raise suspicion of cholera or paracholera.

Respiratory system

1. Snoring is a sleep killer

Snoring can be divided into two types: benign and malignant. Benign snoring is not frequent, the snoring sound is even, and it changes with changes in sleeping position.

Malignant snoring is not only loud, but also often involves breathing pauses. The interval between two snoring sounds is often ten or even tens of seconds. If there are more than 30 breathing pauses during 7 hours of sleep, it is called sleep apnea syndrome (SAHS).

In addition to snoring during sleep at night, some SAHS patients may experience symptoms such as waking up gasping for air and increased urination at night. During the day, they may also experience symptoms such as memory loss and decreased reaction time. Moreover, it can easily cause damage to multiple systems and lead to complications such as hypertension, arrhythmia, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, and kidney disease. Patients with coronary heart disease may also experience sudden death.

Obesity, alcohol consumption, and smoking are risk factors for sleep apnea. Changing some unhealthy lifestyle habits, paying attention to sleep hygiene, and sleeping on your side to reduce the chance of airway obstruction, as well as avoiding alcoholic beverages several hours before bedtime and exercising regularly to lose weight, can effectively prevent or reduce the occurrence of sleep apnea.

II. COPD that is easily overlooked

COPD is a chronic, progressive respiratory disease, a general term for chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Its symptoms include shortness of breath, prolonged cough, wheezing, and expectoration.

This disease can develop without any obvious symptoms, especially in its early stages. As the condition worsens, respiratory function gradually declines, eventually leading to respiratory failure and death.

Therefore, be wary of this silent killer when you experience recurring chronic cough, phlegm, and shortness of breath.

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for controlling and slowing the progression of COPD. Once diagnosed with COPD, proactive and effective interventions should be implemented, such as smoking cessation, reducing indoor and outdoor environmental pollution, and the appropriate use of bronchodilators, to prevent the deterioration of lung function.

endocrine system

I. Early detection of diabetes

Clinical observations have revealed the following signs in diabetic patients, which should raise awareness.

1. Genetic predisposition.

2. Upper body obesity.

The ratio of waist circumference to hip circumference is often greater than 0.7 to 0.85.

3. Rhomboid glossitis.

The central part of the tongue is atrophied, with a diamond-shaped defect area that is not covered by tongue coating.

4. Recurrent infections.

Common sites include the bile duct, urethra, lungs, and skin, and the condition is prone to recurrence and is difficult to cure.

5. Itchy skin.

Dry, flaky skin all over the body or in certain areas, itching, difficulty falling asleep, and vulvar itching are more common in women.

6. Difficulty urinating.

In addition to benign prostatic hyperplasia, middle-aged and elderly men should consider the possibility of diabetes.

7. Erectile dysfunction.

Middle-aged and elderly obese patients with erectile dysfunction should be more vigilant.

8. Peripheral neuritis.

Symptoms include numbness in the shoulders, hands, and feet, accompanied by a burning or crawling sensation.

9. Rapidly developing cataracts.

10. Postprandial hypoglycemia.

Dizziness, palpitations, weakness, paleness, and rapid pulse often occur 3 to 5 hours after a meal, and may even lead to coma and convulsions.

II. Signs of Diabetes on the Skin

1. Skin erythema

It closely resembles a burn blister, with thin walls, containing clear fluid, and no redness around the blister. It heals on its own within a few weeks, but can recur.

2. Itchy skin

Dry, flaky skin all over the body or in specific areas, accompanied by intense itching. Vaginal itching is more common in female patients.

3. Folliculitis of the neck

A pustules-like inflammation appears on the back of the neck and occipital region, accompanied by tenderness. It can heal on its own, but often recurs.

4. Abnormal sweating

Excessive sweating (most commonly seen in the upper limbs or trunk) or insufficient sweating (most commonly seen in the lower limbs or trunk), and even latent cases may have profuse sweating.

5. Foot gangrene

Patients experience foot pain, loss of temperature sensation, susceptibility to infection, difficulty in healing, and even foot perforation.

6. Xanthoma

Clusters of sudden, yellow-orange nodules or papules may be observed, surrounded by redness and accompanied by itching.

If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should be alert to the possibility of diabetes and get checked and treated promptly.

III. The "Dawn Phenomenon" in Diabetes

I woke up in the early morning feeling unbearably hungry, with palpitations, discomfort, and fatigue. After eating, the symptoms were somewhat relieved, but I still experienced excessive thirst and drinking.

This suggests a possible diagnosis of diabetes. Because diabetes often involves a sudden change in blood sugar levels in the early morning, symptoms such as morning hunger, palpitations, and thirst occur; this is known as the "dawn phenomenon" in diabetes.

IV. Beware of Diabetes in Winter

First, pay attention to keeping warm.

When the weather suddenly turns cold, the human body undergoes several physiological reactions, leading to elevated blood sugar and blood pressure, which can easily trigger myocardial infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, and other conditions. Therefore, it is important to take precautions to keep warm.

Second, pay attention to your diet.

People's appetite increases in winter, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. Therefore, a scientific diet plan should be developed under the guidance of a doctor.

Third, prevent infection.

Pay attention to skin and oral hygiene, take frequent baths, brush your teeth and rinse your mouth, and actively treat respiratory inflammation, skin damage and dental diseases to prevent more serious complications.

Third, engage in appropriate exercise.

Appropriate exercise can stimulate insulin secretion, which is very beneficial for regulating blood sugar and stabilizing the condition.

Fourth, take care to protect your feet.

Keep your feet warm to prevent frostbite. Soak your feet in warm water before bed and trim your toenails regularly. Wear shoes that are neither too soft nor too hard, change your socks frequently, and keep your feet clean and dry to prevent foot infections.

tumor

I. Self-diagnosis of early-stage tumors

The key to cancer prevention and treatment lies in early detection and timely treatment.

People over 40 years of age who experience irritating dry cough, blood in sputum, etc., should be alert to the possibility of lung cancer, especially long-term smokers; those who experience progressive difficulty swallowing in a short period of time should be wary of food cancer; and those with unexplained upper abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite, weight loss, etc., should consider the possibility of stomach cancer.

If a patient with a gastric ulcer experiences a loss of regularity in their symptoms and a progressive worsening of the condition, malignant transformation of the gastric ulcer should be considered. If symptoms such as pain in the liver area, weight loss, and progressive hepatomegaly appear in a short period of time, the possibility of liver cancer should be ruled out.

If a person over 40 years of age suddenly develops jaundice, the possibility of pancreatic head cancer or bile duct cancer should be ruled out. If painless, intermittent hematuria occurs repeatedly and stops on its own, the possibility of kidney cancer or bladder cancer should be considered, especially in men.

In addition, if a lump appears on a part of the body, especially if it is hard but not painful, or if swollen lymph nodes can be felt, the possibility of a tumor should be considered.

II. Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

Breast cancer primarily occurs in women after puberty, with the peak age range being 40-50 years old. Its incidence is closely related to ovarian function, genetic factors, marriage and childbirth, and breastfeeding. Those with the following factors have a higher risk of developing breast cancer than the general population and should be particularly vigilant.

1. Women who had their first menstruation before the age of 13 or who had not yet stopped menstruating by the age of 50.

2. Individuals with a family history of breast cancer in their immediate family.

3. Single, unmarried women.

4. Women who have not given birth after marriage.

5. Women who did not breastfeed after childbirth or whose breastfeeding period was too long or too short.

6. Women who have had breast cancer on one side.

7. Individuals whose breasts have been exposed to radiation multiple times for various reasons.

8. Advanced maternal age.

9. Those who have had fibrocystic breast disease.

10. Those who have a history of dysfunctional uterine bleeding or endometrial adenoma.

11. Individuals with weakened immune systems.

III. Skin Symptoms of Cancer

In the early stages of cancer, itchy skin may occur. This itching usually disappears after treatment. However, itching may recur if the cancer recurs or metastasizes. Therefore, itchy skin can sometimes be a sign of cancer.

According to surveys, approximately 30% of patients experience itching at the onset of their illness. Besides lymphoma and leukemia, which are relatively common, many other cancers, such as stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and prostate cancer, also cause itching. Liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and gallbladder cancer also frequently present with itching, but this itching is usually accompanied by jaundice, and is caused by the jaundice itself.

If persistent itching occurs, the cause should be further investigated to rule out cancer.

IV. Prevention of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer includes colon cancer and rectal cancer. Its warning signs include changes in bowel habits and stool characteristics, such as diarrhea, bloody stools, constipation, narrowed stools, and intestinal obstruction.

The causes of colorectal cancer are related to the composition of food.

A high-fat diet can easily lead to cancer. Foods rich in fiber can reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer. This is because dietary fiber increases stool volume, promotes faster intestinal peristalsis, accelerates the excretion of carcinogens from the intestinal lumen, reduces the chance of carcinogens coming into contact with the intestinal wall, and lessens the irritation to the intestinal wall.

In addition, colorectal cancer is also related to chronic colorectal diseases. This is because inflammation and mechanical stimulation are contributing factors to cancer.

To prevent colorectal cancer, pay attention to your diet, personal hygiene, and develop a regular bowel movement habit. Be sure to detect any abnormalities in your stool promptly and get checked out.

V. Early Detection of Colon Cancer

With changes in people's dietary habits, the incidence of colon cancer is constantly rising. If cancerous tissue can be detected and removed in its early stages, postoperative life expectancy will hardly be affected.

Because colon cancer often causes abnormal bowel movements, it's important to understand your bowel habits to detect it early. If your habits suddenly change, it's best to find out the cause to rule out the possibility of colon cancer.

For example, stools may suddenly become loose or very dry; the frequency of bowel movements may change, from once a day to two or three times a day, or vice versa.

In short, if your bowel movements are irregular, it's best to be cautious and consult a doctor for a checkup. If you experience bloody or mucous stools, don't always assume it's hemorrhoids; it could very well be caused by colon cancer.

Men over 45 years of age are at high risk for colon cancer and should seek timely medical treatment when necessary.

6. Be alert to the possibility of moles becoming cancerous.

Moles can be benign or malignant, with malignant ones being more prone to becoming cancerous. The following situations should be taken seriously, as they may indicate a possibility of malignancy.

1. Satellite-shaped black spots appear around the mole, the edges become irregular, and the surface is uneven.

2. Pain occurs in the mole, and a hard nodule develops around or in the center of the mole.

3. The color of the mole fades, and symptoms such as ulceration, inflammation, bleeding, or pus discharge appear.

4. The mole darkens in color and expands rapidly in a short period of time.

5. Within a short period of time, the mole changes from brown to black, then from black to dark brown, and develops alternating mottled colors.

6. The mole near the lymph node has developed swollen lymph nodes.

7. New moles that reappear after age 30.

VII. Early Detection of Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is a common malignant tumor of the digestive tract and is the most malignant of all cancers, often referred to as the "king of cancers." In its early stages, it is easily misdiagnosed as hepatitis, liver abscess, liver cyst, or cirrhosis. By the time it progresses to progressive hepatomegaly, jaundice, and ascites, it has already entered an advanced stage.

To detect liver cancer early, it is essential to undergo regular health checkups, including regular checks of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels and ultrasound examinations. This is especially important for middle-aged men who have a history of hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection, or other liver diseases.

For patients experiencing unexplained pain in the liver area, loss of appetite, weight loss, and progressive hepatomegaly, the possibility of primary liver cancer should be highly suspected, and they should go to the hospital for relevant examinations as soon as possible.

Early detection of liver cancer, coupled with appropriate comprehensive treatment, significantly improves the survival rate of patients compared to those with intermediate or advanced stages. Therefore, early detection of subclinical and small hepatocellular carcinomas is of great importance.

VIII. Prevention of Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer is one of the most common cancers. Common symptoms include upper abdominal pain, bloating, fatigue, progressive weight loss and anemia, loss of appetite, vomiting, hematemesis, or melena. It has a short course and a high mortality rate.

Early symptoms of stomach cancer are easily overlooked, and by the time it is diagnosed, it is often already in an advanced stage. Therefore, anyone over the age of 40 who experiences symptoms such as upper abdominal discomfort, bloating, dull pain, weight loss, sallow complexion, stomach pain, or black stools within a short period of time should consider the possibility of stomach cancer and promptly go to the hospital for relevant examinations to confirm the diagnosis.

The causes of stomach cancer are not yet fully understood. To prevent stomach cancer, we should focus on the following aspects.

1. Individuals with a family history of stomach cancer should have regular cancer prevention counseling and checkups, and regularly consume cancer-preventive foods such as shiitake mushrooms and asparagus.

2. Mental factors are closely related to stomach cancer; therefore, one should maintain an optimistic and cheerful mood.

3. Avoiding moldy food, eating less pickled vegetables, dried salted fish, and smoked products, and eating more fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as avoiding excessively cold or hot foods and strong alcoholic beverages, are important measures to prevent stomach cancer.

4. Actively treating chronic stomach diseases is of great significance in preventing stomach cancer. Stomach ulcers, atrophic gastritis, and gastric polyps all have the potential to become cancerous. Actively treating and eliminating these diseases in a timely manner can greatly reduce the incidence of stomach cancer.

infectious disease

I. Measures to prevent infectious diseases

1. Control the source of infection

People with infectious diseases should be detected, diagnosed, reported, treated, and isolated early to prevent the spread of the disease. Animals with infectious diseases should be disposed of promptly.

2. Cut off the transmission route

Pay attention to personal and environmental hygiene, eliminate disease-carrying organisms, and carry out necessary disinfection work.

3. Protect vulnerable individuals

During infectious disease outbreaks, prevent susceptible individuals from coming into contact with the source of infection and administer preventative vaccinations to boost the immunity of vulnerable populations. Regular physical activity is also important to strengthen the body and enhance disease resistance.

II. Symptoms of Measles

Measles is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the measles virus. Its clinical symptoms are characterized by fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctival congestion, Koplik's spots on the oral mucosa, and a maculopapular rash on the skin.

It is mainly transmitted through direct droplets, and indirect transmission through clothing, toys, etc. is very rare. The general population is susceptible, and long-lasting immunity is acquired after infection.

III. Prevention of Digestive Tract Infectious Diseases

Gastrointestinal infectious diseases are infectious diseases caused by pathogens invading the mucous membrane of the digestive tract. They mostly occur in summer and autumn, and patients and carrier animals are the main sources of infection, which are mainly transmitted through drinking water and food.

Therefore, when preventing infectious diseases of the digestive tract, pay attention to personal hygiene and food hygiene, wash your hands before meals and after using the toilet, and wash raw fruits and vegetables thoroughly.

At the same time, we should do a good job in eliminating maggots, flies, cockroaches and rats, strengthen water source management, disinfect the patient's excrement, and disinfect the daily utensils, soiled clothing and toilets.