3 things to avoid when using an electric fan

Improper use of fans on hot days can negatively impact health, even increasing the risk of heatstroke and stroke in people with underlying health conditions.

What precautions should people take when using electric fans during hot weather? Thank you, doctor! (Pham Thi Thao - Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh).

Dr. Mai Xuan Phuong, Specialist Level 1 - Deputy Head of the Neurology Department - Hop Luc General Hospital ( Thanh Hoa ), advises:

With the scorching hot weather in the North, our Neurology Department has seen a sudden surge in patients, not only with stroke cases but also with headaches and vestibular disorders.

On May 23rd alone, from 4 PM to 6 PM, we received 6 stroke patients (3 cases of ischemic stroke and 3 cases of hemorrhagic stroke). Among these, some cases arose due to improper use of air conditioners and electric fans.

During intense heat, electric fans are a common household appliance used continuously for cooling. However, improper use of fans can not only cause fatigue but also increase the risk of sore throats, muscle spasms, circulatory disorders, and even be dangerous for people with underlying cardiovascular or blood pressure conditions.

Using electric fans incorrectly can be dangerous to your health. (Illustration: AI)

When using a fan, people should avoid the following common habits:

1. Avoid letting the fan blow directly onto your face, neck, or chest for too long.

Many people have a habit of directing a fan directly at themselves, especially while sleeping. However, a prolonged strong airflow can dry out the respiratory tract, causing sore throats, nasal congestion, muscle stiffness in the neck and shoulders, and affecting blood circulation to the brain.

Especially at night, the body is susceptible to localized chills if a fan blows continuously on one spot for many hours.

2. Avoid turning the fan on high immediately after coming in from the sun.

After outdoor activities, your body temperature usually rises and you sweat a lot. If you sit directly in front of a strong fan, the sudden cooling of your body causes blood vessels to constrict rapidly, easily leading to dizziness, fatigue, or blood pressure irregularities.

Experts advise people to rest for a few minutes, wipe away sweat, and then turn on the fan at a moderate speed to allow the body to gradually adapt.

3. Avoid sitting too close to the fan for extended periods.

The ideal distance when using a fan is 1.5 to 2 meters to allow for natural airflow. Sitting too close to a fan for too long can lead to faster dehydration, dry skin, headaches, and muscle fatigue.

Some people place ice or cold towels in front of a fan to create a deep cooling effect. However, this sudden cooling can cause blood vessels to constrict sharply, leading to heat shock, which is especially dangerous for the elderly or those with cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure.

When sleeping, you should turn on the fan's rotating mode or set a timer instead of leaving it blowing continuously all night. This helps you avoid localized chills and reduces the risk of a dry throat and headache after waking up.

In addition, outdoor workers need to pay attention to drinking enough water, replenishing electrolytes, and avoiding sitting in front of a strong fan or taking a cold shower immediately after being in the sun. This is a very dangerous habit as it can cause heat shock, increasing the risk of stroke and cardiovascular events.

3 Mistakes to Avoid When Using Air Conditioners on Hot Days Prolonged hot weather leads to air conditioners being used continuously in many homes and offices. However, using this device incorrectly can cause many health problems, from heatstroke and dehydration to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

3 Things to Avoid When Drinking Beer on Hot Days : Many people believe that drinking cold beer on hot days is more refreshing and comfortable than drinking water. However, this habit can dehydrate the body and put a greater strain on the cardiovascular system.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/3-khong-khi-dung-quat-dien-2519845.html