Department of Disease Control Invites Chinese New Year Celebration: Eating Well and Staying Healthy in the Year of the Horse

The Department of Disease Control encourages a healthy approach to celebrating Chinese New Year, focusing on mindful eating and disease prevention. Dr. Montien Khanasawat, the department's director, emphasized that the Chinese New Year is a time of family warmth and togetherness, but traditional festival foods are often high in sugar, fat, and salt - key risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and obesity. Dr. Suthat Chotnaphant, deputy director, suggested simple health-conscious cooking methods such as steaming, boiling, or baking instead of deep-frying, choosing lean proteins like fish or chicken, and increasing colorful vegetable intake. The department also recommended reducing incense and paper burning to minimize PM 2.5 particulate matter, which can be harmful to respiratory systems. For individuals with chronic conditions, special dietary caution is advised. Diabetes patients should avoid overly sweet pastries and sodas, those with high blood pressure should limit sodium intake, kidney patients must carefully manage protein and potassium consumption, and obesity patients should focus on low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods. Additionally, the department encouraged regular exercise of at least 30 minutes daily, with patients consulting their doctors about appropriate physical activity levels to ensure a truly happy and healthy Chinese New Year celebration.