Cold and slip prevention in northern ice and snow
At this time, some northern cities are already covered in white snow. Visiting these snowy destinations not only strengthens your willpower but also offers a romantic experience.
Precautions: Stay warm and watch your step to prevent frostbite. Frostbite commonly occurs on the hands, feet, and ears. Snow and ice make surfaces slippery, so wear non-slip shoes to avoid falls. Be cautious of stepping into hidden holes. In snowy areas, most original paths are covered, and when road conditions are unclear, don’t proceed recklessly. Use branches to test the depth before moving forward to avoid falling through. If you do fall through, try to lean back and protect your head with your hands. Shout for help immediately. Also, be aware of snow blindness. Snow reflects strong sunlight, so wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. If your eyes feel irritated, do not rub them. Cover your eyes with a handkerchief or scarf, stay still for a while, then continue walking. Pay attention to skiing safety. Beginners should receive basic guidance from a ski instructor.
Plateau travel
Plateau expeditions—know your limits
Mysterious Tibet has become one of the hottest travel destinations among adventure travelers in recent years. Beyond Tibet, some areas of Qinghai and snow-capped mountains in Yunnan such as Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Meili Snow Mountain are all above 4,000 meters in altitude. Many first-time visitors to high-altitude areas may experience altitude sickness, with symptoms including headache, dizziness, chest tightness, shortness of breath, palpitations, nausea and vomiting, blue lips, insomnia, etc.
Not suitable for: Younger travelers and those over 60, people with anemia, diabetes, severe cardiovascular or chronic lung diseases, mental illness, pregnant women, and those with poor physical condition should avoid traveling to high-altitude areas.
Essential medications: Rhodiola and safflower capsules—help prevent altitude sickness, take 7–10 days in advance; Vitamin C—boosts immunity; cold medicine—take at the early stage of a cold; Panadol (or generic name equivalent)—a pain reliever for headaches; Racecadotril—used for acute diarrhea and gastroenteritis; cephalosporin antibiotics—for acute respiratory infections; Niuhuang Jiedu Pian (Bovine Bezoar Detoxification Tablets)—for internal dryness caused by plateau climate; glucose + chlorpheniramine + vitamin B6 (preferably injectable form).
Hot spring bathing
Moderate hot spring soaking is best
Although hot springs are beneficial to health, they can’t cure all illnesses, and their risks should not be ignored. Do not soak in hot springs when hungry, as it may cause dizziness, nausea, or fatigue. Avoid hot springs right after a heavy meal or drinking alcohol, as it could lead to indigestion or even a stroke. Soaking when extremely tired, sleep-deprived or after staying up late might result in shock or cerebral ischemia. People with heart disease, high blood pressure, or arteriosclerosis should slowly warm up their bodies with hot spring water before fully entering to avoid affecting blood vessel constriction. Cancer and leukemia patients should not soak in hot springs. Elderly people, and pregnant women—especially in the early and late stages of pregnancy—are advised not to use hot springs. (Source: Huaxi Metropolis Daily)