Several people have died and fire departments nationwide announced a sharp increase in ambulance calls over the weekend for suspected cold-weather-induced heart attacks and strokes as the most severe cold spell of the winter hit Taiwan.
The Central Weather Bureau yesterday issued warnings for low temperatures and heavy rain across most of Taiwan.
The bureau issued an “orange” warning for areas north of Changhua County, as well as Yilan County, and the islands of Kinmen and Matsu.
Under the bureau’s three-color cold weather advisory, an “orange” warning signifies “very cold” weather, with a minimum ground-level temperature below 6°C, or a minimum ground-level temperature
The results of a Tsou shamanism workshop to teach disappearing parts of Tsou religious culture with younger members of the community were presented on Sunday.
The Saviki community (山美) in Chiayi County has long practiced shamanism, but the knowledge is quickly vanishing, the Saviki Community Development Association said.
Shamans, known as yoifo in Tsou, are considered to have the mystical ability to heal illness, divine the future and give blessings, association member Fang Min-
chuan (方敏全) said.
Without systematic records kept of yoifo training and rituals, it is difficult for outsiders to understand, Fang said, adding that outside religious influences are contributing to its
Poor diet increases stroke risk, doctor warns
By Wang Shan-yan and William Hetherington / Staff reporter, with staff writer
A Chiayi doctor warned that a poor diet and a lack of exercise put those aged 40 or older at a high risk for stroke.
Regular blood pressure readings are recommended for those aged 40 or older, Chiayi Hospital cardiologist Huang Ying-ho (黃英和) said, adding that they should also avoid eating too much oily or salty food, as well as food high in sugar.
If a person’s systolic blood pressure is higher than 140 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) or their diastolic blood pressure is higher than 90mmHg, they should see a doctor, Huang said.
Hotels report a surge in room, dining cancelations
By Hsiao Yu-hsin, Tsai Tsung-hsien and Wang Shan-yan / Staff reporters
Except for Taitung, hoteliers across the nation have reported an increase in cancelations of room and dining reservations during the first weekend of the winter break, as the COVID-19 outbreak at the Taoyuan General Hospital spreads.
A hotel manager in Kenting, Pingtung County, surnamed Chu (朱), on Sunday said that his hotel had a booking rate of more than 90 percent prior to the Taoyuan outbreak, but many called the hotel over the weekend to cancel or postpone their reservations.
Hotels near the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area in Chiayi County also saw their booking rate fall by 20 percent during the same period.