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Actress Kim Tae-ri shares timely health message from Cannes

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Korean star reminds fans to stay safe from presummer colds

Kim Tae-ri / Captured from Instagram

Kim Tae-ri / Captured from Instagram

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Actress Kim Tae-ri recently expressed concern for her fans’ health as the weather grows warmer.

Kim shared photos on social media from her visit to the annual Cannes Film Festival in France, writing, “Back to Cannes after 10 years.” Even in close-up shots, she drew attention for her flawless, natural beauty.

Kim first attended Cannes in 2016 with the film “The Handmaiden.” Since then, she has grown into one of Korea’s leading actresses through acclaimed performances in both dramas and films. Known for actively communicating with fans, she also left a caring message: “Be careful not to catch a cold during the seasonal transition.”

As Kim mentioned, many people are currently struggling with colds despite the warm May weather. Here’s why respiratory illnesses become common during this time of year.

Big temperature gaps weaken immune system

May marks the transition from spring to summer. Daytime temperatures can climb to around 25 degrees Celsius, while evenings remain chilly. Sudden shifts between hot and cool weather can put stress on the body’s immune system.

Our blood vessels constantly contract and expand to maintain body temperature in response to outside conditions. When daily temperature gaps become large, the body uses more energy, increasing fatigue and potentially lowering immune function.

Kim Tae-ri / Captured from Instagram

Kim Tae-ri / Captured from Instagram

Fine dust, air conditioning can worsen respiratory health

Fine dust and yellow dust are also common in May and may irritate the respiratory system. In particular, ultrafine particles can trigger inflammation in the bronchial lining and affect immune cell activity. People with allergies or sensitive nasal passages may experience more severe cold symptoms.

Indoor cooling can also affect respiratory health. As temperatures rise, more people begin using air conditioners. Long exposure to cold, dry air may dry out the respiratory tract, while large indoor-outdoor temperature differences place additional stress on the body.

To maintain respiratory health during the seasonal transition, getting enough sleep, doing light exercise to maintain stamina, washing hands regularly, carrying a light jacket amid temperature changes and avoiding exposure to air conditioning and fine dust when possible are recommended.

This article from Kormedi.com, Korea’s top health care and medical portal, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.