rohan
healthy soch
New Delhi, December 05, 2019:
“My father, a former heart surgery survivor and someone who has been living with the cardiac problem for the last 20 years, always led a very different and productive life. Heart patients run on reduced heart capacity, and he was surviving and working for 14-15 hours everyday on 60 per cent of his heart. In 2018, around Diwali, my father fainted and since he had a cardiac history, he was taken to the hospital. Doctors there wanted to quickly do a cardiac intervention and operate on him but he was too frail. Further tests confirmed Dr Ashok Seth’s hunch, it was a severe lung infection and lungs needed attention, not the heart”, recalls Nutan Manmohan while speaking to NDTV.
A fortnight later, though Nutan’s father recovered and was discharged from the hospital, but from November to January, he was mostly confined to his home with limited movement. In February, when the pollution levels in Delhi improved and Nutan’s father was trying to get back to leading a normal life – work and regular exercise, the damage was already done.
“With the lungs compromised, the heart had to work harder which affected his already weak heart valves. Doctors suggested operation for leaky heart valves, but in April, when he was out for his appointment, we lost him to a massive heart attack, says Nutan who believes that air pollution aggravated her father’s illness and took away his life. I am now seeing a replication in my friends’ parents, adds Nutan.”
Foods To Reduce The Impact Of Air Pollution
A nutritious diet can act as a shield of protection from the adverse impact of pollution. Clinical nutritionist Lovneet Batra recommends inculcating Vitamin A, C, E, seeds, nuts and loads of fruits and vegetables in the diet.
DIY Air Purifier
According to an ASSOCHAM-TechSci study released in February this year, Indian residential air purifiers market is projected to grow at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of more than 29 per cent from the current level of Rs. 100 crore ($14.14 million) to Rs. 275 crore ($38.99 million) in 2023, because of deteriorating air quality, increasing purchasing power power, and expanding urban population.
Restrict Outdoor Activities
Any kind of exercise, running or even a leisurely walk should be avoided during high levels of pollution because the more time spent outdoors means more exposure to toxic air and pollutants. The reason why experts specifically ask to not exercise outdoors or go running is, any heavy physical activity tends to increase the pace of breathing.
Bring Home Air Purifying Plants
To reduce the levels of indoor pollution take to planting air purifying plants like Aloe Vera, spider plant, snake plant, bamboo palm, Warneck Dracaena and others. These indoor plants are low maintenance as these neither need regular watering nor harsh sunlight and a good source of oxygen.
healthysoch
