Diwali, the festival of lights and joy is here. Families get together and enjoy themselves during these auspicious days. It’s time to share sweets, gifts and light diyas. While you are busy enjoying this festival of joy and togetherness, you need to watch out for a few things that can harm your health. This is especially true for cardiac patients, asthmatics, pregnant women, infants, heart patients and diabetics. You are exposed to fire, smoke, and significant amounts of high-calorie foods that are rich in oil, salt and sugar. You must take some health precautions while enjoying the festive days. Follow these helpful tips to stay happy and safe this Diwali:
Healthy Diwali tips:
Here are a few useful tips for you and your family to have a healthy Diwali:
- Stop use of Crackers
Noise pollution and air pollution has been increasing in India over the years and we must take corrective action together to reduce it. High decibel sounds can have major health complications for children, pregnant women and the elderly. Fireworks in the sky make for a beautiful sight but they also emit harmful fumes that can lead to many respiratory ailments and especially harm asthmatics, young children and the elderly. So, let’s take a pledge to be a more responsible citizen and scale down on noise and air pollution. Celebrate a cracker-free Diwali. - Keep yourself hydrated
The weather is very humid now-a-days. Further people also eat many heavy food items during the festive days. It is important to flush out toxins that are accumulated by eating unhealthy sweets and snacks by drinking enough water. You can also sip on nimbu paani, chaas, coconut water and fresh fruit juices. - Get enough sleep
Even though Diwali is celebrated in the evening, sometimes the festivities last well past midnight. You might sleep less as a result of this upsetting your regular sleep pattern and lead to weariness, mood changes, and tiredness. Make sure you get enough sleep during Diwali. Cover-up with an afternoon nap next day to ensure that you get your recommended amount of sleep for the day. - Use Anti-Pollution masks
During Diwali days, the pollution levels rise to excessively dangerous levels. This can have adverse effects on patients with chronic lung diseases, COPD, asthma, etc. As a precaution use a face mask that covers your nose and mouth to limit exposure to pollutants. - Avoid alcohol
Diwali is a time for many get-togethers with family and friends, card games, etc. and can include alcohol consumption too. Excessive alcohol intake is injurious to your health, makes you dehydrated and also leaves you with a hangover. Say “No” to alcohol. - Supervise for safety!
Children must be under strict supervision by adults especially while bursting crackers and also when they are around diyas. It is recommended to wear safe cotton clothes instead of heavy fabrics. Keep a first-aid kit handy around you to handle any untoward emergency. - Eat healthy
Diwali is filled with fried snacks, sugar-rich mithaais and ghee-laden consumables. However, these items contain a very high amount of calories which aren’t good for health and may raise your blood sugar or blood pressure levels. Follow these healthy eating tips:
- Practice portion control at all times.
- Consume sweets that are prepared using natural sweeteners.
- Avoid drinking aerated drinks and packaged juices.
- Avoid sweets made of white flour.
- Have more probiotics to aid better digestion.
- While socializing always opt to finish the meal in one go, and not to eat in small intervals.
This Diwali don’t let your diet plans ruin your festivities or your celebrations ruin your diet. Moderation is the key in everything you eat. Wishing you and your family a Happy and Healthy Diwali! The team at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai is always available for any kind of medical requirements on all festive days. Reach out to our team at the below link: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/
