Chinese woman suffers brain hemorrhage, slips into coma after sunbathing during extreme heatwave; know the safe limit and health risks
In a shocking case that has triggered widespread concern and debate across China, a 67-year-old woman from Zhejiang province slipped into a coma after sunbathing her back for two hours in intense summer heat.
Following a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) belief that the practice could 'warm yang energy and dispel dampness,' the woman—identified only by her surname, Wang—collapsed shortly after the self-treatment attempt. She was later diagnosed with a brain haemorrhage and brain hernia, requiring emergency surgery. The incident has reignited public conversations about unsafe traditional remedies, elderly heatstroke risk, and the deadly toll of extreme temperatures.
Woman in coma after attempting
viral sunbathing trend
According to
SCMP
reports, Wang reportedly attempted the back-sunbathing ritual around noon, exposing herself to peak ultraviolet radiation and extreme heat. The method, which claims to balance internal energy or 'yang qi' by soaking in sunlight, has been circulating in wellness circles online—despite no medical backing.
According to experts, prolonged sun exposure without protection—especially during midday—can dangerously raise core body temperature, leading to complications like heatstroke, dehydration, and in Wang's case, aneurysmal cerebral haemorrhage.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years
IC Markets
Learn More
Undo
Moments after returning indoors, Wang lost consciousness and had to be rushed to the hospital. Doctors at Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital confirmed that Wang had suffered severe brain trauma.
An immediate operation saved her life, but she remained comatose for a significant period.
Ye Xiangming, Director of the hospital's Rehabilitation Department, noted the complications of prolonged immobility, including muscle atrophy and organ stress.
Wang's recovery involved multiple surgeries, acupuncture therapy, and months of rehabilitation. Eventually, she regained basic abilities such as sitting, talking, and eating—though full recovery remains uncertain.
Doctors urge caution as viral sunbathing trends endanger public health
Medical professionals strongly discouraged the uncritical adoption of traditional sunbathing remedies. 'There is no scientific basis to the claim that sunbathing cures all diseases,' Dr. Ye stressed.
Particularly for the elderly and those with hypertension or cardiovascular issues, extreme heat can be lethal. Zhuangshi Lihe, a Chinese medical influencer with over 2 million followers, echoed the warning: 'People are romanticizing this nonsense. In high summer temperatures, even healthy individuals should focus on sun protection and heatstroke prevention.' A 2023 report by The Lancet estimated that heat-related deaths in China reached 50,900 in 2022, making climate-linked health emergencies a growing public health concern.
Wang's case, which has gone viral on mainland social media, underscores the urgency of public education on safe health practices, especially among vulnerable age groups.
Social media reacts to sunbathing tragedy, urging common sense over viral trends
Social media users expressed both sympathy and frustration. One comment read: 'She literally sunbathed with her life. Moderation is key.' Another remarked: 'This is like a human barbecue. Even a healthy person would risk heatstroke—don't blindly follow trends.'
While Traditional Chinese Medicine has proven benefits in several areas, experts caution against applying ancient beliefs to modern extreme environments without scientific validation. As temperatures continue to climb globally, stories like Wang's serve as a tragic reminder: health remedies should never come at the cost of safety.
Benefits and risks of sunbathing
While sunbathing can offer certain health benefits—especially for boosting vitamin D levels—it also comes with serious risks if not practiced with caution.
Here's a closer look at the pros and cons of sun exposure, how long you can safely sunbathe, and why moderation is key.
Sunbathing benefits
Natural Vitamin D production
Sunlight triggers the skin to produce vitamin D, an essential nutrient that supports various bodily functions. Globally, over 1 billion people are estimated to be deficient in vitamin D, making sun exposure a valuable natural remedy.
Hard to obtain from food alone
Vitamin D is found in limited food sources like fatty fish and egg yolks, but most people rely on fortified foods such as milk or dietary supplements.
Sunlight offers a direct, cost-free alternative for improving vitamin D levels.
Improved mood and reduced depression
Sunlight stimulates the release of serotonin, a brain chemical linked to enhanced mood, calmness, and emotional stability. This can help alleviate symptoms of depression or improve general well-being.
Better sleep cycles
Exposure to sunlight helps regulate the circadian rhythm, your body's internal clock. This natural rhythm makes it easier to fall asleep at night and wake up refreshed in the morning.
Stronger bones and joint health
Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption, which strengthens bones and may lower the risk of osteoporosis and arthritis, particularly in older adults.
Enhanced immunity
Vitamin D plays a role in supporting the immune system, helping protect against heart disease, multiple sclerosis, the flu, and certain autoimmune conditions and cancers.
Reduced risk of preterm labor
For pregnant women, sufficient vitamin D levels may help lower the chances of preterm delivery and infections during childbirth.
Note:
The American Academy of Dermatology advises against using sun exposure as your main source of vitamin D, recommending supplements and diet instead for safer intake.
Hidden dangers of excessive sunbathing
Sun rash and heat rash
Overexposure to sunlight can lead to sun rash—an itchy, red irritation caused by blocked sweat glands, commonly referred to as heat rash.
Painful sunburns and skin damage
Unprotected sunbathing can result in sunburns, which cause pain, blistering, and long-term skin damage. Repeated sunburns are a major risk factor for melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.
Sun poisoning (PMLE)
Some individuals develop polymorphic light eruption (PMLE) or sun poisoning, a condition that presents as red, itchy bumps typically on the chest, legs, or arms after intense UV exposure.
How long is it safe to sunbathe
According to
Healthline
reports, most dermatologists agree that 5 to 20 minutes of sun exposure per day—without sunscreen—can be safe for individuals without skin sensitivities. However, this depends on:
Your skin type and sensitivity to sun
Geographic location (proximity to the equator)
Time of day (UV rays peak around noon)
Air quality, which can influence UV exposure
Also Read |
5 coffee routine habits that could be doing more harm than good, say experts
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
What is CTE? Why this brain disease is behind Manhattan shooting by Shane Tamura
Manhattan shooter Shane Tamura blamed football for his brain disease CTE. Shane Tamura, the crazed gunman who killed five people inside a Midtown skyscraper that housed many offices, mentioned CTE several times in his long manifesto, which can also be read as a suicide not,e as he ended his life after killing people in the office. CTE is Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, which is a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated head trauma, such as concussions or even sub-concussive hits (blows that don't cause symptoms but still jolt the brain). Football players, boxers, hockey players, military veterans are often diagnosed with this disease. Tamura claimed that he was suffering from CTE and blamed football for his condition. New York Post reported that in his note, he thanked a documentary on CTE brain injuries and listed the names of several prominent neuroscientists. 'Terry Long, football gave me CTE and it caused me to drink a gallon of antifreeze,' Tamura wrote. 'You can't go against the NFL, they'll squash you.' 'Please study brain for CTE. I'm sorry. The league knowingly concealed the dangers to our brains to maximize profits. They failed us," he wrote. In CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy), the brain deteriorates over time due to repeated hits to the head—even if those hits don't cause a full concussion. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Treatment That Might Help You Against Knee Pain Knee pain | search ads Find Now Undo CTE is rare and not completely understood by doctors, and there is no way to diagnose the disease in a living person – doctors can only confirm the disease in an autopsy after death. The disease has been linked to football, given the contact-heavy, physical nature of the sport. The note mentioned 'Fainaru brothers' — the two ESPN reporters who co-wrote the 'League of Denial' book. Elsewhere, the names of several doctors were featured on one page, including Dr. Ann McKee, the chief of neuropathology at BU Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, and Dr. Christopher Nowinski, the co-founder of Boston University's CTE Center. Tamura has been described as a mentally unstable person but there is no history of him professionally playing football. But it is believed that his apparent target was the NFL office, which was at the same building but he did not kill anyone from NFL and ended up killing Wesley LePatner, an executive of Blackstone. Tamura worked as a security guard at a Las Vegas casino and he did not report to duty Sunday. He drove through several states to reach New York City just hours before the mass shooting. Tamura's car was spotted passing through Colorado on July 26, Nebraska and Iowa on July 27, and Columbia, New Jersey, at 4:24 p.m. Monday. And then he drove into Manhattan. Cops found a rifle case with rounds, a loaded revolver, extra ammunition, magazines, a backpack and medication prescribed to him searching his car. He had a concealed firearms permit from Las Vegas with a 2027 expiration date. CTE and football A 2017 study by Boston University's CTE Center found that of the 111 NFL brains it examined, 110 had some level of CTE. In September 2024, a study by the Football Players Health Study at Harvard University revealed that out of a sample of 2,000 former NFL players, about a third believed they have CTE.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Trump acknowledges "real starvation" in Gaza, vows to increase food aid
US President Donald Trump has acknowledged the severe hunger crisis in Gaza after months of largely deflecting questions on the issue, stating that the United States would increase food aid to the war-hit enclave, The New York Times reported. During a 75-minute press session with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Scotland on Monday, Trump pledged to "set up food centers" in Gaza, although he offered no specifics on how aid would reach the enclave that has faced more than 20 months of Israeli bombardment and aid restrictions. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Healthcare Degree healthcare Public Policy Finance Data Science MBA Artificial Intelligence Leadership Technology Data Science Others Management Product Management Cybersecurity Project Management MCA others CXO Operations Management Skills you'll gain: Financial Analysis in Healthcare Financial Management & Investing Strategic Management in Healthcare Process Design & Analysis Financial Analysis in Healthcare Financial Management & Investing Strategic Management in Healthcare Process Design & Analysis Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business Certificate Program in Healthcare Management Starts on Jun 13, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Financial Analysis in Healthcare Financial Management & Investing Strategic Management in Healthcare Process Design & Analysis Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business Certificate Program in Healthcare Management Starts on Jun 13, 2024 Get Details "We're giving money and things," Trump said, adding, "I want to make sure they get the food, every ounce of food." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 10 Signs Your Dog Loves You More Than Anything Liseer Read More According to The New York Times, Trump's shift in tone came after meetings with several European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Starmer, who reportedly spoke of a "sense of revulsion" at the suffering in Gaza. "That's real starvation stuff, I see it, and you can't fake that," Trump said. "We have to get the kids fed." Live Events At least 56 Palestinians died from starvation this month alone, nearly half of the total deaths from hunger since the war began 22 months ago, the Gaza Health Ministry stated on Saturday. International agencies and medical experts have repeatedly warned that a famine is sweeping through the region due to Israel's tight restrictions on food and medicine. Earlier, Trump had drawn criticism for downplaying the humanitarian catastrophe, reportedly complaining that the United States had not received gratitude for the aid already provided. "Nobody said, 'Gee, thank you very much,'" Trump remarked on Sunday. "And it would be nice to have at least a thank you." During a meeting with von der Leyen, he called the crisis "not a U.S. problem, it's an international problem," while reiterating frustrations over a lack of recognition for America's contributions. The New York Times noted that his administration recently approved $30 million in funding for an Israeli-backed aid system in Gaza run mostly by American contractors. However, Trump's remarks on Monday marked a notable departure from his recent stance, as he criticised the existing distribution mechanisms and called for more accessible aid delivery. "We're going to set up food centers and where people can walk in and no boundaries. We're not going to have fences," he said. "They see the food. It's all there, but nobody's at it because they have fences set up that nobody can even get it. It's crazy what's going on over there." He added that Britain would support the United States in the new aid push. Trump also appeared to distance himself from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent claims that there was no starvation in Gaza. "I don't particularly agree with that, Trump said, adding, "The children look very hungry." Despite Trump's assertion that "no other nation gave money," The New York Times reported that the European Union had spent approximately $605 million on Gaza aid since 2023, according to the European Commission. The hunger crisis in Gaza has become one of the worst humanitarian emergencies in recent memory, with over two million Palestinians living amid widespread destruction and shortages of essential supplies. Trump's remarks have raised questions about whether his "America First" foreign policy can adapt to a crisis that demands multilateral humanitarian leadership, the New York Times noted.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
What is Leqembi? The first Alzheimer's treatment approved today in Saudi Arabia
Leqembi targets beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, aiming to slow Alzheimer's progression in patients with mild cognitive impairment The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) announced today the official approval of Leqembi, the first Alzheimer's treatment available in Saudi Arabia. This approval marks a significant milestone in addressing Alzheimer's, a progressive brain disorder that affects memory and thinking skills. Leqembi is specifically indicated for patients experiencing mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia caused by Alzheimer's, who have either no copies or just one copy of a particular gene variant known as apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4). How Leqembi Works: Targeting the Root Cause Leqembi represents an innovative approach to treating Alzheimer's. Unlike many existing therapies that only ease symptoms, this drug aims to slow the actual progression of the disease. It is a biologic therapy developed using monoclonal antibody technology, a sophisticated method that creates lab-produced molecules designed to target specific proteins in the body. In this case, Leqembi works by targeting beta-amyloid proteins, which tend to build up in the brains of Alzheimer's patients and form sticky clumps called plaques. These plaques are widely believed to contribute to the cognitive decline seen in the disease. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Patrocinio: Unsold Furniture Liquidation 2024 (Prices May Surprise You) Unsold Furniture | Search Ads Learn More Undo Specifically, brain plaques, known as amyloid plaques, are abnormal clumps of protein fragments called beta-amyloid that build up in the brain, especially in people with Alzheimer's. These plaques interfere with the normal communication between nerve cells (neurons), disrupting brain function. By helping reduce the formation of these harmful plaques, Leqembi seeks to protect brain function and slow cognitive decline over time. The treatment is given through an intravenous infusion every two weeks, allowing the drug to circulate and act within the brain. Proven Effectiveness Backed by Clinical Studies Before approving Leqembi, the SFDA thoroughly reviewed evidence of its safety, effectiveness, quality, and compliance with regulatory standards. Clinical trials revealed that Leqembi significantly slows the progression of Alzheimer's disease compared to a placebo. The effectiveness was measured using established clinical scales that assess memory, thinking, and daily functioning abilities. However, like all medications, Leqembi can cause side effects. The most commonly reported include: Headaches Reactions related to the infusion process Amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), a term that refers to unusual changes detected in brain MRI scans. These abnormalities may include swelling (cerebral edema) or tiny brain bleeds (microhemorrhages). Because ARIA can only be detected through brain scans, careful monitoring is essential throughout treatment. Safety First: The Need for Careful Patient Monitoring The SFDA stresses the importance of ongoing patient monitoring during treatment. Before starting Leqembi, patients must be tested for their ApoE4 gene status, as this influences the risk of side effects. Those with two copies of the ApoE4 gene are not currently eligible for the treatment due to a higher likelihood of complications. Additionally, the pharmaceutical company responsible for Leqembi is required to track how the drug performs once it is in use (post-marketing surveillance). They must regularly submit updated reports on safety and effectiveness to the SFDA. A comprehensive risk management plan is also mandatory to ensure the treatment is used safely and responsibly. Advancing Healthcare with Biotechnology in Saudi Arabia The approval of Leqembi reflects the SFDA's commitment to expanding access to advanced and high-quality medical treatments, especially those developed through cutting-edge biotechnological methods. Biotech therapies like Leqembi represent a rapidly growing field in medicine, offering new hope for diseases that previously had limited treatment options. About the SFDA Established in 2003 under the Council of Ministers' resolution, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority is an independent regulatory body directly reporting to the President of the Council of Ministers. Its main mission is to safeguard public health by ensuring the safety and quality of food, medicines, biological and chemical substances, medical devices, and cosmetics. The SFDA oversees all procedures related to these products, aiming to protect both human and animal health throughout the Kingdom.
