As the weather turns cold, add clothing. Radiotherapy patients need an extra dose of "warm-hearted" care.

Recently, cold air has been frequently arriving, and everyone is feeling the strong autumn atmosphere. For friends undergoing radiotherapy, the colder weather doesn't just mean adding clothes to keep warm; it also requires a bit more care and attention in treatment and nursing. Today, let's talk about the things radiotherapy patients need to pay special attention to when the weather gets cold.

I. Keeping Warm and Preventing Colds: The Top Priority

During radiotherapy, the body's immune system may be relatively weak, making it easier to catch a cold or develop other infections compared to usual.

Dress Appropriately: Follow the "onion layering method" for clothing, making it easy to put on or take off clothes according to temperature changes indoors and outdoors. Avoid sweating from overheating and then catching a chill in the wind.

Key Protection: Be sure to wear a hat, scarf, and mask when going out. This not only keeps you warm but also protects the skin in the radiotherapy area (such as the head and neck) from direct stimulation by the cold wind.

Avoid Crowded Places: Try to avoid crowded public places with poor air circulation to reduce the risk of infection.

Little Tip: If you experience cold symptoms such as fever, cough, or fatigue, please contact your primary doctor promptly. Do not self-medicate.

II. Skin Care: Handle with Care

Radiotherapy can cause skin reactions, such as dryness, redness, itching, and peeling. Cold, dry air can exacerbate these discomforts.

Cleanse Gently: When cleaning the radiotherapy area, use lukewarm water and a mild, non-irritating cleanser. Be gentle, pat dry softly with a soft towel, and avoid rubbing vigorously.

Moisturize and Lock in Hydration: Under your doctor's guidance, apply the hospital-recommended moisturizer (such as pure petroleum jelly, aloe vera gel, etc.) that is free of alcohol and fragrance and has simple ingredients multiple times a day to keep the skin hydrated. Applying it after bathing while the skin is still damp yields better results.

No Heat Application: This is crucial! No matter how cold it gets, never use hot water bottles, electric blankets, or heating pads directly on the skin in the radiotherapy area, to avoid causing serious burns or worsening skin reactions.

Wear Loose Clothing: Choose soft, loose, and breathable pure cotton clothing. Avoid rough, tight fabrics that might rub against the skin in the radiotherapy area.

III. Enhance Nutrition: Warmth from the Inside Out

Cold weather requires more calories to maintain body temperature. Good nutrition is the cornerstone supporting treatment and recovery.

Balanced Diet: Ensure adequate intake of high-quality protein (such as fish, eggs, milk, lean meat) to help repair damaged tissues. At the same time, eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits to supplement vitamins and minerals.

Warm, Soft, and Easily Digestible: If you are a head and neck radiotherapy patient, you might experience oral or throat discomfort. Your diet should primarily consist of warm, soft, easily digestible liquids or semi-liquids, such as porridge, soup, well-cooked noodles, etc. Avoid overly hot, hard, or spicy foods that can irritate the mucous membranes.

Drink Warm Water: Ensure adequate water intake to promote the excretion of metabolic waste from the body. Keep a thermos handy to drink warm water anytime.

IV. Moderate Activity: Promote Circulation

In cold weather, people tend to become more lethargic, but prolonged bed rest is not conducive to blood circulation and physical recovery.

Indoor Exercise: If your physical condition allows, engage in gentle activities indoors, such as walking, Tai Chi, or doing exercises, until you break a slight sweat.

Get More Sun: Choose times when the sun is strong around noon to get some sun on the balcony or in the community. This not only warms the body but also promotes Vitamin D synthesis and helps improve mood.

Act According to Your Ability: Rest promptly when you feel tired. Don't push yourself too hard. Listen to your body.

V. Pay Attention to Emotions: Heart Towards the Sunshine

Shorter days, longer nights, the withering scenery, coupled with the stress of treatment, can easily lead to low mood.

Communicate Proactively: Talk more with family and friends, or participate in patient support group exchanges. Share feelings and encourage each other.

Cultivate Interests: Listen to music, read books, do some handicrafts—distract yourself and keep your mood pleasant.

Seek Help: If you feel persistently down, don't be afraid to seek professional help from doctors, nurses, or psychological counselors.

Though the cold winter has arrived, care does not diminish. For the warriors undergoing radiotherapy, caring for every detail is an important step on the road to recovery. We hope this "warm-hearted" tips bring you a touch of warmth and strength.

Please remember, you are not fighting alone,

We are with you on this warm journey