Tips to stay safe from Diwali pollution.

#HealthBytes: 6 tips to stay safe from Diwali pollution

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With Diwali just a couple of days to go, excitement and smiles are all around.

The much-awaited festival brings with it- love, joy, and prosperity.

However, each year, during the festive season, pollution levels soar to dangerously high levels, because of the cracker-bursting on Diwali.

Here are 6 general tips to help you stay safe from Diwali pollution.

Try staying indoors; Avoid strenuous activity

Stay indoors: With such poor quality air, it is advisable to avoid heading out, if it is not inevitable. Work from home, if you must, and let kids take a break from school, for the sake of good heath.

Activity/Exercise: Avoid strenuous activity and exercise, and more so, when outdoors. Quit morning walks and jogging for the time being, in order to stay safe.

Use pollution masks; Install at-home air purifiers

Masks: Whenever you head out, always use a disposable respiratory mask. This will cut down the amount of harmful particles you take in. However, the masks aren't foolproof- these can catch only larger particles, and not the fine PM 2.5 ones, that are also quite harmful.

Air purifiers: Install good-quality air purifiers at your home. But, compare their specifications before you buy.

Take an immunity-boosting diet; Stay hydrated

Diet: Consume food-items rich in Vitamin C, magnesium, omega fatty acids, as these will help give a boost to your immunity, and therefore help you fight the ill-effects of pollution.

Hydration: Staying hydrated is crucial, as sufficient water will help kick out excessive toxins from the body. One can also opt for herbal teas like ginger tea or tulsi tea.