Be safe and healthy this Diwali season

Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee – Dr KK Aggarwal – President HCFI and Honorary Secretary General IMA said, “This Diwali, we must take a pledge to take necessary precautions to prevent environmental pollution and accidental injuries. We must also eliminate evils like smoking and drinking from our lives. With the rising incidence of lifestyle diseases it is important that everyone restricts the consumption of food containing high levels of trans fat, sodium and refined sugar. We must deal with stress through a holistic approach and to do away with anger and negativity from our lives. Most lifestyle diseases are preventable and manageable, only when necessary precautionary measures are taken. We must work towards beating obesity, heart disease, hypertension and diabetes.”

Here are a few tips for a healthy and safe Diwali

Candle Pollution: One should be careful of candle pollution. Candles made from beeswax or soy, although more expensive, are safer because they do not release potentially harmful pollutants.

However an occasional paraffin candle and its emissions do not harm but lighting many paraffin candles daily or lighting them frequently in an unventilated bathroom around a tub, may cause problems. Pollutants from burning candles can also cause respiratory irritation and allergy. The candles, which are made from petroleum, are a source of known human carcinogens and indoor pollution.

Diwali Sweets: White sugar in sweets can lead to uncontrolled diabetes and weight gain in individuals. Adulterated khoya can cause GI upset. Artificial coloring in sweets can cause cancer in long run. Eating chocolates can add to calories in blood sugar. The best item for Diwali is fruits and dry fruits.

Diwali Fire Hazards: Diwali should not lead to fire with resulted burns and loss to life. In case of burning the effected part should be put in the running water till burning disappears. Blisters should not be punctured, as they work like a natural dressing.

Eye injury– Particle of crackers can cause eye burn. Continuous water should be poured into the effected eye till the burning is over.

Safe dressing– if medicated bandage is not available, one can use a piece of cloth and iron it. It will work like a medicated bandage.

Diwali Pollution: The condition of patients with COPD (Adult Asthma) may worsen in Diwali festival and they should use wet clothes whenever they are exposed to smoke.

Noise Pollution: Excessive noise pollution during Diwali day can cause hearing loss. One should wear earplugs to avoid noise related ear injury. Noise pollution can also cause high blood pressure and mental irritation.