Related stories

News on SARS Magic of the Cuppa A Stirring Tale HIV/AIDS: A direct threat to your bottom line Psychological Evaluation System in Place for Students

Ticker Trouble

As elsewhere in the world, winter sees increased incidence of heart problems and brain disorders such as strokes. Only recently, Chinese film actress Li Wanfen was among the latest heart-attack victims. Through BTM, local doctors warn people with heart and circulation problems particularly to make extra efforts to keep warm, control their diets and avoid "irritating" consumption of, for example, too much tea and coffee.

If you come across a heart-attack or stroke victim who needs your assistance, your first response should be to stay calm and urge bystanders to call for an ambulance by dialing 120. If you are trained in first-aid, you will know what to do until medical help arrives. If not, all you can try is mouth-to-mouth resuscitation by tilting the victim's head backward and pinching his/her nostrils closed while you breathe down their throat every five or six seconds.

Keep the victim warm and, if he or she is conscious, reassure them that help is on the way. Loss of heartbeat is the most dangerous scenario, for irreparable damage can be caused to the brain unless proper medical help arrives within 4-5 minutes.