People should keep warm, stay hydrated and be alert to sudden changes in temperature when participating in New Year’s Eve festivities, the Health Promotion Administration (HPA) said yesterday.
The Central Weather Administration forecast that as northeastern monsoon winds would intensify from tonight, temperatures in northern and northeastern Taiwan could drop, the HPA said, adding that the weather is expected to be coldest tonight and early tomorrow morning.
People should keep warm, drink plenty of water, be cautious of sudden changes in indoor and outdoor temperatures, and pay attention to the health of family and friends when celebrating New Year’s in the cold, the HPA said in a news release.
Photo: CNA
Cardiovascular disease is often referred to as a “silent killer,” as many people are not aware they have it until they experience a sudden cardiovascular event, and those with any of the “three highs” — high blood pressure, high blood lipids and high blood sugar — are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, the HPA said, adding that exposure to cold or sudden changes in temperature can increase a person’s risk of having a fatal cardiovascular event.
People are urged to wear warm clothing, especially on their head, neck and extremities, or even add a water and wind-resistant jacket if they are celebrating New Year’s Eve outdoors, the HPA said.
People should eat a balanced diet and drink water frequently, while avoiding overeating, drinking too many sugary beverages and trying to keep warm by drinking alcohol, it said.
People should only use a gas stove or water heater in a well-ventilated area to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and avoid staying in a hot bath or hot spring for more than 15 minutes, it said, adding that the water temperature should be no higher than 40°C.
Separately, the Ministry of Environment said that smog from China is expected to reach Taiwan today, which could result in an orange warning being issued across most of the country.
Department of Monitoring and Information Director Hsieh Ping-hui (謝炳輝) said that smog stretching from Beijing to Shanghai, which was detected on Thursday, would likely arrive in Taiwan today as seasonal northeasterly winds intensify.
An orange warning — which indicates unhealthy air quality that could affect elderly people, children, and people with cardiac or respiratory conditions — was yesterday issued in Kaohsiung and Pingtung, Kinmen and Lienchiang Counties.
The warning could be issued for most of Taiwan today, particularly in the north, the ministry said.
On New Year’s Day, the pollution is expected to ease in the north, but could still be a risk in southern areas, it said.
Additional reporting by CNA
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