Notice on NHFPC releasing core information about elderly health

By Feng Hui

(en.nhfpc.gov.cn)

Updated: 2014-10-23

5. Have a good sleep

It is good to sleep about an hour at noon. If people have difficulty falling asleep for a long time or snoring that causes sleep apnea, they should see the doctor as soon as possible. If people use sleeping pills, please follow the doctors’ orders.

6. Periodically measure blood pressure

One should rest 5 minutes before measuring blood pressure, avoiding emotional moods, fatigue, smoking and withholding urine. Each measurement should be tested twice with an interval of 1 minute; the average value should then be taken. Patients with high blood pressure should measure themselves three times a day (morning, noon and night each time). Old people should be cautious of the morning blood pressure surge (MBPS), preventing myocardial infarction and cerebral apoplexy. They also should avoid hypopiesia, especially caused by the misuse of medicine.

7. Periodically measure blood sugar

Elderly people should measure blood sugar once every one or two months. They should not only measure fast blood-glucose, but also blood sugar two hours after a meal. Diabetics should measure one or two times a week when their blood sugar is stable.

8. Prevent cardiovascular diseases

Old people should keep a healthy lifestyle, controlling hazards for cardiovascular disease. Elderly people should control the intake of oil and salt and have moderate exercise, good sleep and periodic body checks. If coronary disease and cerebral apoplexy is detected, they should undergo treatment as soon as possible.

9. Pay attention to the early symptom of cerebral apoplexy

If suffering symptoms such as numb face, limb weakness, hemianopsia, inhibited speech, dizziness accompanied by nausea, vomiting and diplopia occur, witnesses or the elderly should dial “120.” Patients should be sent to a hospital.

10. Pay attention to the deterioration of hearing and vision

Old people should avoid ear picks; drink less tea and coffee; control the use of ototoxic drugs; and try to live in a peaceful environment. When hearing loss is serious, the elderly should see a doctor and wear a hearing-aid if necessary. Elderly people should periodically test their vision and see the doctor if it deteriorates.

11. Pay attention to oral health

Old people should gargle after meals, brush their teeth, use dental floss and teeth picks, have oral examinations twice a year, and attend to caries and cavities.