How to protect children and the elderly amid pollution, these 5 tips will help you

News Topical, Digital Desk : When a blanket of smog covers the sky, our children and the elderly are most at risk. Yes, protecting them from the ravages of pollution is no less than a war. In this article, you'll learn five surefire ways to protect these most important members of your family from this deadly air. Let's find out.

Clean the indoor air

When pollution levels are very high, completely stop children from playing outside in the morning and evening or the elderly from going for a walk. PM 2.5 particles present in the outdoor air directly harm the lungs. Instead, focus on purifying the indoor air. If budget allows, install air purifiers in the main rooms of the house. Additionally, some indoor plants like snake plant or peace lily help in purifying the air naturally. Also, do not smoke indoors, as this also pollutes the air.

Use of N95 masks

Ordinary cloth masks don't block fine pollution particles. Therefore, ensure children and the elderly wear a good-quality N95 or FFP2 mask when outdoors. Ensure the mask completely covers their nose and mouth. Once the mask is worn, no air should flow in or out. It's also important to explain the importance of masks to children so they don't repeatedly remove them. Using the right mask can help prevent toxic particles from reaching their lungs.

Immunity Booster Superfood

To fight pollution, it's essential to strengthen the body from within. Especially for children and the elderly, include foods that boost their immunity in their diets. Make sure to feed them citrus fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C , such as amla, orange, and lemon. Give them turmeric milk daily and a little jaggery after meals, as jaggery helps cleanse the lungs. Encourage them to drink plenty of water, lemonade, or herbal tea throughout the day, as water helps flush out toxins.

Steaming and gargling

Polluted air particles accumulate in the throat and respiratory tract. Steam inhalation and gargling are the easiest and most effective ways to remove them. Gargling with lukewarm water mixed with a pinch of salt twice a day helps reduce throat inflammation. Also, encourage children to inhale steam from plain hot water for 5-10 minutes before bed. This loosens and expels phlegm from the lungs, making breathing easier.

Stay in touch with your doctor and medicine

If someone in the household suffers from asthma , bronchitis, or heart disease, pay special attention to their medications amid pollution. Ensure they always have all their medications and inhalers with them and administer them on time. If symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, or persistent eye irritation occur, don't delay. Don't ignore these symptoms, assuming they are common signs of pollution, and consult a doctor immediately. Regular checkups and the right medications can help prevent the serious effects of pollution.

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