Protecting people's health during winter.

During winter, erratic weather, high humidity, and low temperatures increase the incidence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, influenza, and pneumonia, especially in children and the elderly. In response, the Van Chan Regional Health Center has proactively implemented a comprehensive set of solutions including public awareness campaigns, consultations, and treatment for winter illnesses, improving healthcare capacity and disease prevention awareness within the community, thereby effectively protecting the health of local residents.

Bringing her 3-year-old son to the Van Chan Regional Health Center for a check-up due to a persistent cough and fever, Ms. Vu Thi Lan (Cat Thinh commune) said: “My son had been coughing for 5 days and had a high fever for 3 consecutive days without improvement, so I brought him to the center for examination. The doctor diagnosed him with rhinitis, pharyngitis, and otitis media. Not only did they prescribe treatment, but they also gave very specific advice on how to rinse his nose, care for him, and preventative measures during the winter.”

Currently, the Pediatrics Department of the Van Chan Regional Health Center is recording a 50% increase in patients compared to the same period in 2024. Most patients suffer from seasonal influenza, upper respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, and viral fever. Therefore, the Pediatrics Department has increased its on-call medical staff and prepared sufficient medications and medical supplies. They are also providing guidance on care and disease prevention to the children's families and coordinating closely with local health stations to manage and monitor cases in the community.

Currently, the number of pediatric patients seeking examination and treatment at the Van Chan Regional Health Center has increased significantly.

Dr. Giang Thi Sang, Head of the Pediatrics Department at the Van Chan Regional Health Center, said: “This winter, the number of children suffering from respiratory illnesses has increased significantly. We advise parents to take their children to a medical facility early for examination and treatment if they show signs such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, and to avoid taking them to crowded places. Especially, keeping hands, feet, nose, and throat clean will help children prevent and treat illnesses effectively.”

To effectively provide healthcare to the people during the winter season, the Van Chan Regional Health Center has directed its departments, wards, 35 health stations, and 3 regional polyclinics to strengthen disease prevention and control efforts; focusing on disseminating information and guiding people to stay warm, maintain personal hygiene, monitor their health at home, and develop a reasonable diet combined with preventive measures and influenza vaccination to minimize the risk of illness.

Along with children, the elderly are a group susceptible to respiratory illnesses during the winter months.

According to Doctor Hoang Dinh Trung, Deputy Head of the Thuong Bang La Health Station in Thuong Bang La commune: “To prevent illness among children and the elderly, the station has compiled a health monitoring list and provided families with specific care instructions. For children, parents are advised to keep them warm, dress them appropriately, ensure they drink enough water, and eat foods rich in vitamins, protein, and minerals to boost their immunity. They are also advised to monitor temperature, breathing rate, and any unusual signs to promptly take the child to a medical facility. For the elderly, in addition to keeping them warm and engaging in gentle exercise, a balanced diet is essential, prioritizing foods rich in vitamin D, calcium, and protein. Attention should also be paid to treating and monitoring chronic diseases such as cardiovascular, blood pressure, and respiratory illnesses.”

At the Thuong Bang La Health Station in Thuong Bang La commune, the number of children and elderly people coming for check-ups for cardiovascular diseases and respiratory infections is increasing at this time.

In parallel with organizing awareness campaigns at healthcare facilities, the Van Chan Regional Health Center also directed its affiliated health stations and polyclinics to actively implement regular health check-up programs for the elderly; organize direct communication in villages and hamlets; and coordinate communication through loudspeakers and Zalo groups to raise awareness of disease prevention throughout the community. As a result, the vigilance and self-care practices of the people during the winter have gradually improved, reducing the risk of serious illness and its spread within the community.

Dr. Nguyen Dinh Lien, Specialist I and Director of the Van Chan Regional Health Center, shared: “From the beginning of the year until now, the Health Center and 38 affiliated health stations and polyclinics have examined and treated over 222,520 patients, including over 5,100 children under 15 years old. From November 2025 to the present, common winter diseases have accounted for a high percentage. Given the current situation, along with the efforts of the health sector, each citizen needs to proactively prevent and control diseases, strengthen their immune system, and supplement their nutrition to minimize the risk of illness and protect their own health and the community's health during these cold days.”

Thanks to the synchronized and effective implementation of solutions in examination, treatment, consultation, and disease prevention, the Van Chan Regional Health Center has promptly provided healthcare to the people while raising awareness about self-protection. These practical and realistic solutions are contributing to improving the quality of medical examination and treatment and supporting people in proactively preventing diseases effectively during the cold winter months.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/bao-ve-suc-khoe-nguoi-dan-trong-mua-dong-post889128.html