People with cardiovascular disease or any of the “three highs” — high blood pressure, high blood lipids or high blood sugar — should be careful when enjoying a hot spring or hot bath in low temperatures, the Health Promotion Administration (HPA) said.
As temperatures dropped yesterday, many people might want to go to a hot spring to warm themselves and relax, but those with cardiovascular disease should consult a doctor first, the HPA said on Saturday, offering six tips for people, especially those with cardiovascular disease or the three highs, to bear in mind when going for a hot bath.
People should avoid staying in a hot bath or hot spring for too long — no longer than 15 minutes — if the outside temperature is cold, HPA Aging and Chronic Disease Control Division head Wu Chien-yuan (吳建遠) said.
Photo: Chiang Chih-hsiung, Taipei Times
As heat from the water can cause blood vessels to expand, leading to a drop in blood pressure, people should also avoid getting out of the water too fast, as they might faint and even possibly drown, she said.
People should drink plenty of water before, during and after taking a hot bath, as the heat can cause them to sweat more, leading to dehydration, Wu said.
People should also avoid taking a hot bath directly after a meal, especially after eating spicy food or drinking alcohol, which can also increase the heart rate, adding to the risk of a heart attack or stroke, she said.
A hot bath should be taken at least one-and-a-half to two hours after a meal, she said.
People with diabetes, hypertension or high blood lipids should be especially careful about the temperature of the water, which should be no higher than 40°C, and they should avoid alternating between hot and cold baths, as the sudden change in temperature can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke, Wu said, adding that people with diabetes might have damaged nerves and could be burned.
People with cardiovascular disease or any of the three highs should enjoy a hot spring or bath with friends or family, and bring their National Health Insurance card and any medication they might require in case there is an emergency, she said.
The HPA urged those at risk to measure their blood pressure or take medication regularly to control it, saying that if they experience chest tightness, chest pain, heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, nausea, a cold sweat, dizziness or fainting, they should immediately seek medical attention.
An ambulance should immediately be called at 119 if signs of a stroke are observed, such as an uneven smile or drooping face, weakness in the arms or difficulty speaking, the HPA said.
Menopausal women might also experience atypical symptoms of a heart attack, such as shortness of breath or back pain, it added.
Taipei has once again made it to the top 100 in Oxford Economics’ Global Cities Index 2025 report, moving up five places from last year to 60. The annual index, which was published last month, evaluated 1,000 of the most populated metropolises based on five indices — economics, human capital, quality of life, environment and governance. New York maintained its top spot this year, placing first in the economics index thanks to the strength of its vibrant financial industry and economic stability. Taipei ranked 263rd in economics, 44th in human capital, 15th in quality of life, 284th for environment and 75th in governance,
The Sports Administration yesterday demanded an apology from the national table tennis association for barring 17-year-old Yeh Yi-tian (葉伊恬) from competing in the upcoming World Table Tennis (WTT) United States Smash tournament in Las Vegas this July. The sports agency said in a statement that the Chinese Taipei Table Tennis Association (CTTTA) must explain to the public why it withdrew Yeh from the WTT tournament in Las Vegas. The sports agency said it contacted the association to express its disapproval of the decision-making process after receiving a complaint from Yeh’s coach, Chuang
Control Yuan Secretary-General Lee Chun-yi (李俊俋) tendered his resignation last night, admitting that he had misused a government vehicle, as reported by media. His resignation was immediately accepted by the Control Yuan. In a statement explaining why he had resigned, Lee apologized for using a Control Yuan vehicle to transport his dog to a pet grooming salon on May 20. The issue first came to light late last month, when TVBS News reported that Lee had instructed his driver to take the dog to the salon. The news channel broadcast photos that it said were taken by an unnamed whistle-blower, which purportedly showed the
A former officer in China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) who witnessed the aftermath of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre has warned that Taiwan could face a similar fate if China attempts to unify the country by force. Li Xiaoming (李曉明), who was deployed to Beijing as a junior officer during the crackdown, said Taiwanese people should study the massacre carefully, because it offers a glimpse of what Beijing is willing to do to suppress dissent. “What happened in Tiananmen Square could happen in Taiwan too,” Li told CNA in a May 22 interview, ahead of the massacre’s 36th anniversary. “If Taiwanese students or
RSS