Here's how you can have a safe and healthy Diwali

New Delhi : Deepawali is one of the most celebrated festivals in the country, complete with firecrackers and bright lights this festival is commemorated on a monumental scale.

Laxmi Pooja, Rangoli decoration, sweets and the gathering of families for 'taash' are some of the hallmarks of this festival.

Last year, there were over 200 people who were badly injured during Diwali celebrations. Thus, it is advisable that we observe some safety and security measures for a safe diwali.

Dr. Vikas Maurya, Senior Consultant and Head of the Department, Department of Pulmonology and Sleep Disorders from Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh tells us how to take care of our breathing mechanism - our lungs this Diwali:

• Keep an inhaler within reach so that it can be used in case someone has sudden breathlessness and severe cough

• People who are allergic, have low immunity and those having respiratory diseases should avoid burning crackers as they are made up of highly toxic heavy metals that can trigger asthma, cause severe headaches, respiratory diseases and chronic cough

• Keep your immunity strong by eating healthy nutritious diet, good hydration and avoiding fatty foods

• Avoid highly polluted areas

• Avoid sudden temperature changes and physical stress as it may trigger off allergies.

• Wear a face mask to stay protected from air pollution and dust

• Avoid exercising outdoors right after Diwali as the pollutant content will be high in the air.

• Seek medical attention in case of discomfort, uneasiness and choking

Mansi Chaudhary, Sr. Dietician from Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh shares tips on healthy eating during Diwali:

• Be generous while shopping for nuts, seeds and dried fruits, the same should be consumed in a proportionate manner

• Both coconut and dark chocolate are healthier options for desserts

• Avoid sweets that have a silver coating as they are covered in aluminium which tends to get deposited in the body tissues.

• Keep a food diary which will help maintain what you eat during a day.

• Nowadays both 'mithai' and snacks are available in low-fat, low-sugar and baked versions one should prefer that instead of the traditional sweets.

Dr. Rajeev Gupta, Additional Director, Internal Medicine from Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh tells us how to protect our ears and skin:

• Wear protective gear such as ear muffs, ear plugs or cotton balls while bursting crackers.

• Keep the doors and windows of the house closed while celebrating to block out the unwanted noise.

• Create a 'safe room': A room which is further away from the rest of the house and where the sound of firecrackers cannot be heard at all.

• Wear thick cotton clothes, not synthetic material, as the latter tends to catch fire easily.

• Keep antiseptic and medical equipment's handy in case of an emergency.

• Make sure that water is easily accessible when burning firecrackers, in case there is any mishap.

• Always ensure there is a thick blanket present when burning fire crackers so that a person can be padded if they catch fire

• Immediately apply lidocaine (an anesthetic) to ease the pain of a burn.

Festive occasions such as Diwali can be safe as well as exciting and enjoyable. Do make sure that you take care of your fitness too so that you can truly enjoy this festival of lights.