By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
With many people around the world spending a lot of time watching the Vancouver Winter Olympics, two health experts of Samsung Medical Center have some tips regarding healthy ways to enjoy watching the games.
Dr. Lee Sang-cheol warns that extreme excitement can stimulate sympathetic nerves and increase the secretion of hormones related to stress. In such cases, blood pressure increases. "This pressures the heart, which can be dangerous for those with chronic illnesses," he said.
Lee said those who have suffered from heart failures, acute myocardiac infarction, arrhythmia and other heart conditions should take extra care when watching sports. "I advise some of them to refrain from watching games live," he said.
When there are people with such health conditions, family members and friends should always have the telephone numbers of nearest hospitals or paramedics in case of any incidents, he said.
When it comes to nutrition, Dr. Lee Jung-kwon advises people to keep their health in mind while snacking in front of the television. "Fortunately, we don't have to wake up in the middle of the night to watch the Olympics live as we had to for events held in European countries. But still, I think watching the games over beer and fried snacks is extremely bad for the body," he said.
In particular, those with heart or kidney conditions, or those who suffer from diabetes should refrain from consuming unhealthy foods alongside alcohol. These are high in calories but aren't nutritious, he said.
"Unhealthy snacking is extremely damaging to those with chronic illnesses. Try snacks with vegetables and fruits, and always be sure to practice moderation," Lee said.