When blowing out candles turns into a competition, can you come in first? 11 month 16 On an afternoon at Nanjing Zijin Hospital, a unique candle-blowing contest was held in the rehabilitation department. Competing to see who could blow out the most candles and who could blow them the farthest has become a new form of rehabilitation exercise for patients.

　　A row of candles is arranged on the table. For a healthy, average person, extinguishing them requires little effort. Yet for some patients with impaired bodily functions, even blowing out the candle in front of them can be quite challenging. To aid these patients’ recovery, the Rehabilitation Department at Nanjing Zijin Hospital has launched a series of rehabilitation exercises, and the candle‑blowing contest is one such activity designed to help patients strengthen their respiratory muscles.

　　Taking into account the unique nature of each patient’s condition, the distance of the candle is adjusted according to individual functional capabilities. According to Director Qi Yuliang of the Rehabilitation Department at Zijin Hospital, as he told a reporter from the Yangtze Evening News, this playful candle-blowing competition helps foster a positive attitude toward recovery, alleviates patients’ feelings of confinement in the hospital, and strengthens the rapport between therapists and patients. By engaging in the game, patients unconsciously carry out rehabilitation exercises, thereby improving cardiovascular and pulmonary function and achieving their therapeutic goals.

　　Patient Aunt Yin, following surgery for a traumatic brain injury, experienced a decline in cardiopulmonary function; participating in the candle‑blowing contest was primarily intended to help improve her heart and lung capacity. Patient Aunt Wang, who developed facial paralysis after a cerebral hemorrhage, took part in the activity to strengthen the muscles of her face. At the scene, one male patient caught the reporter’s attention: while the other patients had already managed to blow out dozens or even hundreds of candles, he, encouraged by the medical staff, kept trying with great effort until he finally succeeded in blowing out a single candle, at which point a joyful smile instantly lit up his face. “ Go for it! Go for it! ” Behind every cry lies the hope of medical staff and family members—there is only one goal: recovery!

　　The entire event was lively and upbeat; though it was a competition, it felt more like a fun game. Whenever a patient began to compete, cheers and words of encouragement from medical staff and family members echoed throughout the venue. Among the participants, the youngest… 6 Age, the largest 71 During the course of treatment, psychological therapy is equally important, and maintaining a positive mood can significantly aid the patient’s recovery. Therefore, the Rehabilitation Department regularly organizes activities that not only facilitate rehabilitation exercises but also help improve patients’ emotional well-being through a lively and supportive environment.