Diwali Special
Diwali is an auspicious festival in India and it is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm across the country. The festival of light and celebration also brings health hazards with it. Diwali actually marks the change of season – from autumn to winter. The change of season and the air pollution caused by bursting of crackers on Diwali makes it a difficult day for the two-third population of India.
Besides the air pollution, an average Indian also gains weight during Diwali season and all the credit goes to the sweets and fried food consumed. Also, the incidences of burnt limbs, faces and eyes are very common during Diwali.
With celebration, we should not forget our health and our precious body. Happiness lasts only if we take care of ourselves in every aspect. Any health hazard can become deadly if not taken care of at the right time and in a right way.
But it really doesn‘t mean you stop enjoying it. By all means, celebrate Diwali with your loved ones. We just need to be careful with our children, elders and all the loved ones around by taking simple precautionary steps.
What should I eat to not get that extra flab?
Eat everything, but in controlled quantities. Avoid oily, if possible. You cannot control the food made outside or at your friends’ or relatives’ house, but you can always cook the food at your home with less oil and sugar. Ingredients like jiggery and honey should be used and, instead of fried food, try baked or steamed food. Avoid the colourful sweets since they usually contain colouring agents and preservatives. These preservatives can be harmful for your kidney or liver and some of them can actually trigger asthmatic attacks. Also, be aware of adulterated foods and try to buy branded sweets with less of silver vark as that can be adulterated too. Do not overeat; try to eat in parts rather than eating it all at one time. And the best way to prevent overeating is to keep yourself hydrated at all times.
I am not asthmatic; will the smoke from crackers affect me?
People are becoming more aware to not burn crackers, not just because of health issues but also because cracker making factories often employ child labour. These children are exposed to many harmful chemicals and are prone to diseases as serious as cancer. So, avoid burning crackers, not just for yourself, but also for such children and the many people who get affected by it. The thick air, because of changing seasons, gets mixed with the pollution from burning of crackers and worsens the air quality. Asthmatic patients get highly affected by the polluted environment and should avoid coming out in the open, especially on Diwali night. As civilized citizens, it‘s our responsibility to celebrate Diwali in its true spirit of prosperity – without putting health at risk, ours or anybody else’s.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information.