Title: Decoding Health Signals: Key Indicators from the Modern Family Doctor
Overview: Understanding the subtle signals our body sends is crucial for maintaining good health. This article, inspired by Chinese medical guidance, highlights several health indicators that can alert us to potential issues. By being aware of these signals, we can take proactive steps towards a healthier lifestyle.
Key Health Indicators:
(1) Lips: The color of your lips can be a reflection of your internal health. Pale lips may indicate anemia, purple lips could suggest lung disease, black lips may indicate liver problems, and red lips may signal a fever. For a more detailed analysis of lip color and health, refer to Section 3.2 of this chapter.
(2) Palms: If your hands swell and are difficult to bend or straighten upon waking, and this improves or disappears shortly after rising, it might be a sign of heart, kidney, or liver issues, or malnutrition-related edema. In middle-aged and elderly individuals, frequent numbness or hypertension could be a precursor to a stroke. Hand tremors in alcoholics might indicate chronic alcoholism, while tremors in non-alcoholics could suggest hyperthyroidism. Over-medication, neurosis, and irritability can also cause hand tremors.
(3) Fist Clenching: After clenching your hand for 30 seconds, if your palm quickly returns to its original color, it indicates healthy blood vessels, elasticity, normal circulation, and sensitive peripheral nerves. If it takes 20 seconds or more to return to normal, it may suggest abnormal autonomic nervous system function or arteriosclerosis.
(4) Breathing Underwater: After taking a deep breath, if you can hold your breath for over 30 seconds while submerged, it indicates good lung function. If you can hold it for a minute, it suggests excellent lung function.
(5) Heart Function: After sitting still for 5 minutes, measure your pulse per minute (Ⅰ). Then, bend forward and bow at a moderate pace 20 times, measuring your pulse again (Ⅱ). One minute later, measure your pulse (Ⅲ). Add these three readings, subtract 200, and divide by 10. The result will indicate your heart health. A score of 0-3 suggests a strong heart, 3-6 is good, 6-9 is average, 9-12 is poor, and above 12 requires immediate medical attention. Normal heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Irregular pulse, long pauses, or a sudden drop in heart rate could be signs of premature ventricular contractions or atrioventricular block. A heart rate over 100 beats per minute in a calm state is tachycardia, and below 60 is bradycardia. A heart rate below 40 beats per minute often accompanies atrioventricular block, and is commonly seen in myocarditis, myocardial disease, and coronary artery disease. Irregular and rapid heartbeats, accompanied by restlessness, could be atrial fibrillation, characterized by irregular strength, speed, and synchronization of heartbeats and pulse. An irregular heartbeat with fluctuations in speed, sometimes over 100 beats per minute and sometimes below 60, may indicate a problem with the sinoatrial node.
(6) Walking: According to American experts, completing 1000 meters in 10 minutes indicates good health, 2000 meters in 20 minutes indicates excellent health, and 3000 meters in 30 minutes suggests a body condition similar to that of young adults. Walking leisurely does not reduce the risk of heart disease.
Conclusion: Being aware of these health signals can help us identify potential issues early and take appropriate action. Regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle are essential for maintaining good health. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation.