As the National Day holiday approaches, many people choose to relax at home. While staying indoors can be comforting, it can also bring some hidden dangers.
Xiong Weihong, a member of the Labor Party and the director of the Jianguomen Community Health Service Center in Beijing, warns that emergency cases and sudden illnesses during this time are often linked to bodily “blockages.” He highlights the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems as particularly vulnerable areas.
“During long holidays, unhealthy eating habits combined with a lack of exercise can lead to digestive issues such as bloating and constipation,” Xiong explains. “This risk increases especially when indulgent foods—like hot pot and fatty, salty barbecues—become staples, putting significant strain on the gastrointestinal tract and possibly resulting in severe conditions like acute pancreatitis.”
These holiday habits can also add pressure to the cardiovascular system. “Many people dine out or enjoy family gatherings during this time, often consuming excessive amounts of high-salt, high-sugar, high-fat, and high-calorie foods,” Xiong cautions. “This can raise blood pressure, blood sugar, and lipid levels, leading to a greater risk of conditions such as angina and stroke.”
With the holiday coinciding with the shift from autumn to winter, fluctuating weather can trigger issues like nasal congestion due to colds and allergies.
“Poor ventilation, prolonged air conditioning use, and inadequate protection outdoors can lead to nasal blockages,” Xiong advises. “It’s essential to ventilate your home, keep warm, and take precautions against the cold to ward off illnesses. For those with allergic rhinitis, wearing masks outside, rinsing nasal passages with saline, and keeping them clean and moist can be beneficial. Herbal teas or localized gua sha treatments might also help prevent problems.”
Xiong emphasizes the importance of maintaining a consistent daily routine. For a balanced diet during the holiday, he recommends smaller, lighter meals with a good mix of proteins and vegetables. Simple remedies—like massaging specific acupoints or drinking herbal teas made from dried tangerine peel, hawthorn, or malt—can ease gastrointestinal stress.
Those with chronic conditions like hypertension or diabetes should be particularly cautious. “It’s crucial for these individuals to follow their medical advice strictly, take their medications on time, regularly check their blood pressure and blood sugar, maintain a positive mindset to avoid emotional swings, and ensure they get enough restful sleep without overexerting themselves,” Xiong advises, suggesting certain acupressure points for relaxation.
As the holiday wraps up, many people may feel the effects of “post-holiday syndrome.” “This syndrome often relates to how a person works, their health, and how they spent their holiday,” Xiong explains. “Those who travel in haste, stay up late, spend too much time indoors, or opt for takeout over regular meals are more prone to symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and gastrointestinal discomfort when returning to work.”
To mitigate these effects, he recommends gradually adjusting back to regular routines in the final days of the holiday—avoiding late nights and prolonged sitting. Light activities, such as walking or simple stretching exercises, can help re-establish the body’s normal rhythm.
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