What is Autumn Tiger?
“秋老虎”是什么虎？
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The traditional Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. Start of Autumn, (Chinese: 立秋), the 13th solar term of the year, begins this year on Aug 8 and ends on Aug 22.
中国传统历法把一年划分为24个节气。立秋是二十四节气中的第13个节气，今年的立秋始于8月8日，止于8月22日。
Although Start of Autumn indicates the beginning of autumn, hot weather will not come to an end. The period of hot days after Start of Autumn, usually lasting for 30 days, is called "Autumn Tiger" or "Indian Summer." Because of decreasing precipitation, it is even more sweltering during this period than during Major Heat (July 23-August 7).
立秋虽然预示着秋天的开始，但炎热的天气还远没有结束。立秋过后，高温天气通常还会再持续30天左右，这就是人们所说的“秋老虎”。在北美地区，当地人通常把这种天气叫做“印第安夏”。由于降雨量减少，这段时间甚至会比大暑时还要热。
People usually sweat a lot on hot days, causing fast protein metabolism. It is suggested to eat more soy products, eggs, milk, fish, shrimp and other high-protein and light food during this period. Besides, taking more water is a good choice. For adults, drinking 1,500 to 1,700 milliliters of water per day is suggested.
天热出汗多，人体内的蛋白质代谢加速，此时可以多吃一些豆制品、蛋类、奶类、鱼、虾等高蛋白又清淡的食物。此外，还应该多补充水分，成年人每日饮水量应为1500-1700毫升。
During the Start of Autumn period, remember not to be greedy for air conditioning, avoid excessive consumption of cold melons and fruits, cold water and drinks, so as not to increase the burden on our digestive functions. It is also a good choice to enhance our immunity through daily diet. Chinese yams, gorgon fruits and chestnuts are good for ordinary health care, and walnut kernels, lentils and beef also help replenish vital energy and blood.
立秋时节，切记不要贪凉，避免过度食用生冷瓜果、水冻冷饮，以免影响消化功能。此外，通过食补来调节身体的免疫力是个不错的选择。山药、芡实、栗子等都是平补的佳品，核桃仁、扁豆、牛肉等也有助补充气血。（杨佳欣）