Health Insurance
- Share on:
Six ways to enjoy a healthy, stress-free Diwali
- Plan your day Your local Air Quality Index gives round-the-clock colour-coded information on pollution levels. Use the Index to track the least polluted areas and times of day, and travel accordingly. During Diwali, these numbers could vary significantly depending on prevailing winds and the pattern of celebrations in the area.
- Get equipped If you’re planning a big Diwali expenditure, try and use it to install air purifiers to cover as much of your house as possible. They’re expensive, but worth it, and clean air consultancy firms will even visit your home, assess pollution levels and suggest placement. When outdoors, invest in a good mask that tracks the contours of your face and has active carbon filters with valves for easier breathing.
- Don't go out at night Cold air settles, while hotter air rises. When the temperature is low, pollutants tend to clear more slowly, causing higher levels of toxicity in the air, so nights and dawns are most polluted. This is especially aggravated during Diwali as much of the burning of crackers and bonfires takes place at night. For the same reason, avoid outdoor exercise in the morning – use a gym or exercise at home.
- Keep your kids indoors Children's lungs are less developed and more vulnerable to damage from the high pollutants and gases released around Diwali. They also breathe faster and absorb more chemicals than adults and the toxins stay in their body for longer. Limit the time your child spends playing outdoors in the evenings and mornings, during Diwali and for at least three or four days after it, which will give time for the most polluted air to clear.
- Stay away from the sound Firecrackers often produce over 100dB of sound. Use ear plugs or noise-cancelling headphones while you’re working or at home. If you have to shout over the noise to be heard, the noise is probably in excess of 100 dB, which can damage hearing in the long run. Sounds above 150 dB can quickly cause permanent damage.
- Take a break If you can manage it, the best thing to do is leave your city and head into the countryside, a nearby hill-station, or down to the coast. Hotels and resorts will have special offers for Diwali, and this will help you de-stress and also give you the chance to breathe in cleaner air during your vacation.
