A change in weather is soon due. As the festive season ends the winters will arrive. There was a time when late September or early October marked the beginning of mild winters but changing weather conditions due to global warming has significantly altered that pattern in recent years. That speaks about the adverse effect of rapid industrialization on our planet. It is not just the weather patterns that have suffered, environmental pollution has become a problem for all of us to solve.
The onset of winters each year is now marked by the arrival of smog in the national capital region and a general increase in air pollution in the urban centers of northern India. Hence, necessitating the need for individual and administrative actions for the protection of general health and well-being.
In this post, we will discuss some helpful tips for keeping the children and elderly safe during winters as they need special care due to their delicate immune systems.
Tips for Keeping the Children and Elderly Safe During Winters:
- Keeping everyone hydrated:
While this pointer may seem more ideal for a post for summer health care, the importance of hydration is undeniable no matter the season. Waterworks as a natural coolant and transporter in our body. In winters, we do not realize thirst due to the colder weather conditions and often attribute de-hydration symptoms like headaches, light-headedness, nausea, etc. to flu or fever. Children who display a lack of activity may be suffering from dehydration as well as low water levels in their body means low circulation of energy to the cells. Similarly, elderly people often shy away from drinking water during winters to avoid loo breaks and hence may suffer from symptoms of dehydration. So, ensure that everyone in your household is properly hydrated this winter season.
- Monitoring indoor air pollution:
It may come as a surprise but poor indoor air quality is one of the leading causes of chronic respiratory diseases and health problems in the world. The winter smog is caused by a buildup of particulate matter (PM) – a very fine form of dust – in the ambient atmosphere. Particulate matter can mix in the bloodstream and reach vital body organs if you are exposed to it for long periods of time. Urban homes and workplaces are some of the most severely affected places from particulate matter buildups. Therefore, it is vital that you get a proper ventilation system in place for your home and buy an air purifier with HEPA filters. The filters were specially designed for filtering fine dust from an ambient space and home air purifiers using HEPA filters are the best remedy available for indoor air pollution. Installing an air purifier for your children’s room and elderly parents will ensure that they breathe easy in clean air during the winter months. HEPA air purifiers also come with Activated carbon filters which can remove flu viruses, bacterial elements and chemical compounds from the air, further safeguarding your home and family.
- Using air pollution masks:
If you are residing in a highly polluted area such as the Delhi NCR stretch, it is also advised that you buy face masks with PM5 filters for your family. These filters will help protect your school-going children and elderly family members when outdoors. Face masks also help in keeping flu and fevers away by reducing the chances of contracting airborne diseases.
- Stress on a healthy diet:
Winters also bring along several culinary indulgences. While we are not against a piping hot plate of jalebis, you should, however, limit the intake of sugar and fried food from outside to ensure that no one trips their health triggers.
We hope these pointers will help you keep your loved ones safe during the winters.
