What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: While the continuous cold wave across Delhi and its neighbouring regions persisted on Tuesday at the temperature of 10 degrees Celsius, the national capital witnessed its coldest day in this month on Monday. The temperature plummeted to 5.3 degrees Celsius, marking a deviation of two degrees below the seasonal average.
In such a situation, The New Indian spoke to various doctors and experts who shared the precautions one should follow during such cold weather. They also dwelled in the different kinds of diseases and health problems that are on the rise amid this period.
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Dr. HK Chopra emphasised the rise of hypertension because of the narrowing of blood vessels, sedentary habits, and consumption of greasy, fat-rich, and salty food. “The prevalence of hypertension is on the rise in winter. All patients having high blood pressure are advised to not go on mornings and late evening walks,” he said.
Advising to avoid smoking and drinking, Chopra said, “Avoid smoking, going for late-night parties. All this lifestyle modification will help in preventing heart attack, brain strokes, pneumonia attack and chest infection.”
He also issued a warning about the increased occurrence of sudden heart attacks. Providing further details, he explained, “The surge in sudden heart attacks during winter, particularly among people with diabetes, hypertension, and the elderly, is attributed to an elevated tendency of blood clotting and sedentary lifestyles. They should consult doctors promptly for adjustments in lifestyle and medications, especially for those who have undergone angioplasty and bypass surgery.
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“All individuals who are asthmatic and have underlying lung problems are more vulnerable to pneumonia due to extreme fog, smog, cold, and air pollution. All such patients should take flu and pneumonia vaccines as per doctor advice.”
Senior Consultant and Vice Chairman, Department of Gastroenterology, GangaRam, Dr Piyush Ranjan, said that the bone-chilling weather predisposes to many respiratory illnesses. “Many respiratory viral diseases are common. Pollution also leads to an increase in respiratory illnesses. These can be prevented by keeping warm and wearing masks in crowded places. There is an increase in cardiac and brain strokes also during extreme cold weather,” he explained.
He advised exercising indoors while warning that reduction in liquid intake aggravates constipation and gastro-related symptoms. “Taking adequate fluid and fibre in the diet is important. Avoiding too much alcohol is necessary. Skin-related and joint diseases also get aggravated in winter,” he emphasised.
Consultant, Internal Medicine, Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders and Endocrinology, Dr Rajesh Meena, said, “Hypothermia can happen after being in cold air or water for too long. Young children and older adults are more likely to get hypothermia. Hypothermia can cause serious problems if it is not treated quickly. During this season, flu is also common. Wearing a mask by a person who has flu prevents others from getting an infection.”
