Opening Remarks

Zhang Lianshuai, Director of the Party Committee Office, Hainan Provincial Health Commission:

Ladies and gentlemen, journalists, good afternoon. Welcome to today’s press conference of the Hainan Provincial Health Commission.

As the “Start of Summer” (Lixia) solar term arrives, temperatures gradually rise, and hot and humid weather becomes more frequent. This creates favorable conditions for the growth of bacteria and mosquitoes. This not only affects daily comfort but also poses potential health risks, particularly for elderly people, children, outdoor workers, and individuals with underlying health conditions.

To effectively prevent heat-related illnesses and vector-borne diseases, and to promote relevant health knowledge, today’s press conference will focus on health maintenance during the Start of Summer, mosquito-borne disease prevention, and heatstroke prevention.

Present today are: Mr. Chen Jianhong, Second-Level Inspector of the Hainan Provincial Health Commission; Mr. Jin Yuming, Chief Expert and Chief Physician of the Hainan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Mr. Wu Biao, Chief Physician of the Hainan Provincial Public Health Clinical Center; Dr. Liu Tao, Director of the Medical Care Center of Hainan Provincial People’s Hospital; and Dr. Zhong Junhua, Chief Physician of Traditional Chinese Medicine at the First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University.

Now, we invite Mr. Chen Jianhong to introduce health precautions for the Start of Summer.

Key Introduction: Seasonal Health Guidance

Chen Jianhong, Second-Level Inspector, Hainan Provincial Health Commission:

Good afternoon, media friends. Welcome to today’s “Seasonal Solar Terms and Health” press conference.

May marks the first summer solar term—Lixia. It signals the transition from spring to summer, when all things flourish. Yang energy in nature gradually rises, temperatures increase, and rainfall becomes more frequent. The environment enters a peak growth period.

After Lixia, days are longer, nights are shorter, and humidity increases. This accelerates human metabolism but also creates favorable conditions for bacteria and mosquitoes. Health protection thus enters a critical stage.

From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), “summer corresponds to the heart.” Yang energy floats outward, heart fire tends to rise, and damp-heat can easily damage the spleen and stomach. From a modern medical perspective, seasonal changes can trigger discomfort, infectious diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, and heat-related illnesses.

Main health risks during this period:

1. Mosquito-borne infectious diseases
Warm and humid conditions accelerate mosquito breeding, increasing risks of dengue fever and chikungunya fever.

2. Heatstroke and heat-related illness
High temperatures may lead to dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and severe cases such as heatstroke, especially among vulnerable groups.

3. Cardiovascular diseases
Heat increases blood viscosity and may trigger blood pressure fluctuations, heart attacks, and strokes.

4. Gastrointestinal diseases
Food spoils more easily in humid conditions; consumption of cold foods may cause diarrhea and gastroenteritis.

5. “Internal heat” and dampness-related discomfort
Symptoms may include irritability, insomnia, fatigue, poor appetite, and heaviness in the body.

Recommended preventive measures:

Strengthen environmental sanitation and mosquito control
Eliminate breeding sites, clean stagnant water, install screens and mosquito nets, and use repellents.

Prevent heatstroke scientifically
Avoid outdoor exposure during peak heat, stay hydrated, and use cooling measures.

Maintain emotional balance and proper rest
Follow natural rhythms, sleep earlier and wake earlier, and take short midday naps.

Adjust diet for lightness and dampness removal
Eat more foods such as bitter melon, lotus seeds, barley, and mung beans; avoid greasy and spicy foods.

Engage in moderate exercise
Prefer light activities such as walking, Tai Chi, or Baduanjin during cooler hours.

We also encourage media friends to continue promoting seasonal health knowledge.

Thank you.

Q&A Session

Question 1: Early identification of mosquito-borne diseases

Reporter: Haikou Media Center

Answer (Dr. Wu Biao, Public Health Clinical Center):

Key symptoms include sudden high fever (≥39°C), headache, muscle and joint pain, rash, and fatigue. Travelers returning from endemic regions or those with mosquito exposure history should seek immediate medical attention. Patients should report travel history and symptoms in detail to ensure timely diagnosis and prevent transmission.

Question 2: Is drinking water alone enough to prevent heatstroke?

Reporter: Haikou Daily

Answer (Dr. Liu Tao, People’s Hospital):

No. Prevention requires a comprehensive strategy: hydration, electrolyte replacement, rest, cooling, and early symptom recognition.

Heavy sweating causes loss of sodium and potassium. Excessive plain water intake may cause hyponatremia. For long outdoor work, electrolyte solutions are recommended.

Work should be scheduled to avoid peak heat hours, and early symptoms such as dizziness or cramps require immediate rest and cooling.

Question 3: Prevention of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika

Reporter: Nanhai Net

Answer (Dr. Jin Yuming, CDC):

Core prevention principle: “Eliminate stagnant water, kill adult mosquitoes, prevent bites, and seek early treatment.”

Key measures:

Remove mosquito breeding sites

Use mosquito nets and repellents

Wear long clothing outdoors

Seek medical care immediately if fever develops after travel to endemic regions

Zika can also be transmitted sexually and from mother to child.

Question 4: TCM guidance for daily life in Lixia

Reporter: Hainan News Broadcast

Answer (Dr. Zhong Junhua):

Follow “sleep late, rise early” (but not too late—preferably before 11 p.m.). Midday naps of 30–60 minutes are recommended. This helps maintain energy and adapt to seasonal changes.

Question 5: Are elderly people at risk if they refuse air conditioning?

Reporter: Hainan Daily

Answer (Dr. Liu Tao):

Yes. Elderly people have reduced heat regulation ability and may not feel heat stress despite risk. Prolonged exposure can lead to heatstroke or cardiovascular events.

Recommended approach: gradual adaptation, indoor temperature at 25–27°C, avoid direct airflow, and combine with community and family support.

Question 6: Dietary recommendations for Lixia

Answer (Dr. Zhong Junhua):

Eat light and easily digestible foods rich in vitamins. Recommended: vegetables, fruits, mung bean soup, barley, and sour foods such as lemon and grapes. Avoid excessive spicy and greasy foods. Drink enough water and maintain electrolyte balance.

Closing Remarks

Zhang Lianshuai:

Thank you to all speakers for their detailed explanations. Due to time constraints, the Q&A session ends here.

The Hainan Provincial Health Commission will continue to release authoritative health information through official platforms such as “Healthy New Hainan.”

As summer begins and heat intensifies, we encourage the public to actively participate in patriotic health campaigns, learn heat-prevention knowledge, and take responsibility for their own health. Thank you to all media representatives for your participation and support. The press conference is now concluded.