If you live in a more congested part of the city, opt for indoor exercise instead of outdoor workouts.
With the changing weather and increasing pollution, it’s not unusual to find yourself down with the sniffles. The worst part is that some of us are more prone to colds and allergies than others. Routine as these ailments sound, it’s no trivial matter when they start affecting your daily life, forcing you to stay in bed for a day or two every month. It’s time to fight back and we show you how. Take a look at 10 ways to keep dust allergies and pollution-induced diseases at bay.
Dust-proof the home
- Okay, we’ll confess, there’s no such thing as a dust-free home in India. But you can minimise the dust in your home by opting for furnishings that do not trap too much dust. Thick curtains, carpets and upholstery are dust magnets. Besides, washing them too can be quite a task. Opt for thinner curtains and upholstery, and do away with carpets wherever possible.
- Make sure to maintain your air-conditioner and get someone to clean the filters periodically to ensure clean air in your home environment. A good way to do this is to sign a yearly contract with a service company.
- Use water (read: wet mops and dusters) to clean surfaces and floors in your home. After all, water is the best way to trap dust.
- Always ensure windows are shut properly while you are out of the house. The less dust you allow to enter the house, the better.
- Don’t wait for spring (or Diwali) to spring-clean your house. Instead do a ceiling-to-floor clean up every four to six weeks. You might want to use this time to clear out junk and other seldom-used items that accumulate dust too.
Stay safe outdoors
- You may not look too pretty with a doctor’s mask, but don’t let that keep you from wearing one to cover your nose and mouth while you are travelling. One of the main causes of respiratory problems is air pollution.
- As far as possible, avoid busy streets and highways while travelling to work on an everyday basis. High traffic roads naturally have more pollution, which takes a toll on your health in the long run.
- If you live in a more congested part of the city, opt for indoor exercise instead of outdoor workouts. This is because increased physical activity causes you to take deeper breaths, and inhale more polluted air into your lungs.
- While early morning walks seem enticing, remember that the smog in the air (especially during winters) can do more harm than good to your body.
- Lastly, limit your carbon footprint. Walk, use public transport and carpool to burn less fuel. Service your car periodically and make sure your PUC certificate is valid.
Yes, it’s the little things that count in the long run.
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