[Check! Health] Manage Your Health This Year... Remember Monthly Health Rules

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chunhee] The new year of the Year of the Rabbit has dawned. What should we pay attention to in order to have a healthy year this year as well? Professor Son Kiyoung of the Department of Family Medicine at Seoul Asan Medical Center advised, "You should manage your health through consistent exercise and healthy eating habits," and added, "It is good to learn the monthly precautions to prevent diseases and accidents."

In January, it is recommended to set new year goals by checking lifestyle habits. Especially after COVID-19, many people have rapidly gained weight, making weight loss the main goal. The basic principle of losing weight is to eat less and move more. To lose weight, reduce daily calorie intake by 500 to 800 kcal compared to before, avoid fasting, and eat regularly. Exercise such as walking, cycling, and swimming should be done at a moderate intensity that makes you slightly out of breath for 30 to 60 minutes a day, at least three times a week. Quitting smoking is also a common new year’s resolution. It is good to express your will to quit smoking to those around you, not fear failure, and boldly try by imagining the sense of accomplishment upon success. Considering the use of smoking cessation medications is also worthwhile.

In February, reduced sunlight and continued cold weather can cause feelings of depression and physical contraction. Going outside for jogging, running, winter sports, and various exercises helps relieve stress and build stamina. At this time, it is better to wear several thin layers of clothing rather than a thick jacket that restricts movement.

In March, the cold snap and large temperature differences increase the risk of infections. Pay attention to keeping warm and consuming enough protein. Also, be cautious of fine dust. If you have underlying respiratory or heart diseases, it is better to refrain from outdoor activities. After going out, wash your hands and face thoroughly and drink plenty of water.

Citizens are spending time at Eungbongsan in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, where forsythias are in full bloom. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

In April, pollen flies and foreign substances in the air increase, raising the likelihood of allergic diseases. Symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, frequent coughing, and respiratory issues may appear, along with itching or swelling around the eyes. When yellow dust is severe, avoid going outside and wear a mask if you must go out. Be sure to wash your body after returning indoors.

May is a time of increased outdoor activities, and because the spring sun’s ultraviolet rays are strong, it is good to apply sunscreen. Also, dressing lightly and going out may cause seasonal colds, so it is advisable to carry an extra thin layer of clothing. When going on outings, be cautious of being stung or bitten by bees, various insects, bugs, and snakes.

In June, be careful of conjunctivitis and hand, foot, and mouth disease, which are prevalent in early summer. Most conjunctivitis cases are caused by viral infection of the conjunctiva. Symptoms usually improve after 1 to 2 weeks and heal without sequelae, but the symptoms can be very uncomfortable during that time. Conjunctivitis spreads through the patient’s tears or hands that have rubbed the eyes. Thorough handwashing can effectively prevent secondary infections. Also, hand, foot, and mouth disease, which occurs frequently in infants and young children from early summer as temperatures rise, is highly contagious and requires caution. Since there is no vaccine for hand, foot, and mouth disease, strict personal hygiene such as handwashing in daycare centers is essential, and if symptoms appear, immediate medical consultation is recommended.

Citizens visiting the Yeouido Hangang Swimming Pool in Seoul are cooling off by playing in the water. Photo by Jin-Hyung Kang aymsdream@

From July, when summer fully arrives, be cautious of food poisoning and air-conditioning sickness. Diarrhea caused by food poisoning occurs when eating food contaminated by viruses or bacteria. Drink water after boiling and cooling it, pay attention to hygiene during cooking, and observe the expiration dates of ingredients. If diarrhea lasts more than three days, seek medical attention. As air conditioner usage rapidly increases, more people complain of air-conditioning sickness symptoms. Avoid strong air conditioning and maintain a temperature difference of about 5 to 8 degrees Celsius between indoors and outdoors. Increasing indoor humidity and frequent ventilation are recommended.

In August, beware of heat waves. Exposure to strong sunlight can cause sunburn. The skin becomes red and painful, and in severe cases, blisters may form. Swelling and heat in the face and limbs may also occur. Prevention is key, so avoiding excessive sun exposure is best. Sunscreen is essential. Also, prolonged exposure to heat can cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. If symptoms such as fainting occur, quickly move to the shade, lower the head, massage with a cold towel, and replenish fluids.

In September, be cautious of febrile diseases common in autumn, such as hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and tsutsugamushi disease. To prevent hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, always wear long-sleeved clothing to reduce skin exposure when going to mountains or fields, avoid sitting or lying on grass, and do not leave clothes on the grass. Wash clothes thoroughly after going out. If high fever accompanied by body aches and cold symptoms persist for 2 to 3 days, visit a hospital. Tsutsugamushi disease also presents with high fever and severe generalized muscle pain. There is a characteristic wound (scab) caused by mite bites on soft skin areas such as the armpits and groin, and it can be treated effectively with antibiotics.

At Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, citizens dressed in thick clothing are hurrying along. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

In October, be careful not to catch a cold during the season of large temperature differences. It is especially good to get the flu vaccination without delay. Healthy people may just suffer through it like a 'severe cold.' However, for the elderly and patients with diabetes, kidney failure, or chronic lung disease, the flu can be fatal, unlike ordinary colds.

In November, indoor heating begins in earnest. As humidity decreases, be cautious of dry skin and dry eyes. Maintain indoor humidity and drink plenty of fluids. If skin dryness is severe, reduce soap use and apply moisturizer thoroughly after showering. Norovirus, which occurs frequently in winter, spreads through contaminated food or contact with infected patients. Cook food thoroughly and maintain strict hygiene. Symptoms often resolve spontaneously within 2 to 3 days, but since vomiting and diarrhea persist, drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

In December, the sudden cold causes blood vessels to constrict, raising blood pressure and increasing the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. Especially chronic disease patients should be careful not to be suddenly exposed to cold. Also, be cautious of falls caused by slipping on icy roads, which often result in injuries. At the end of the year and New Year, frequent drinking gatherings may harm health or lead to sudden accidents.