A healthier Diwali: seven habits that keep the celebrations safe

Diwali is five days of family, food and light. It is also one of the busiest weeks of the year for chest clinics, burns units and emergency rooms. None of the risks below mean you should celebrate less. They mean a little planning goes a long way.

1. Keep your medicines within reach

If you use an inhaler, carry your reliever with you, including to relatives’ homes and rooftops. Do not run out of regular medicines for blood pressure, diabetes or the heart because shops are closed for a day or two. Check your stock a week before Dhanteras.

2. Take smoke seriously if you have a lung or heart condition

Fireworks release fine particles that can irritate the airways and make breathing harder, particularly for people with asthma, COPD or heart disease, for older adults and for young children. Where you can, watch from a distance, stay indoors when the air is thick with smoke, keep windows closed during peak hours and avoid heavy exertion outside.

If breathlessness, wheeze or chest tightness does not settle with your usual reliever, do not wait it out. Call a doctor or emergency services.

3. Treat burns quickly and correctly

For a small burn, cool it under cool running water for about 20 minutes as soon as possible. Do not use ice, butter, toothpaste or ointments. Remove rings or watches near the burn before it swells, and cover it loosely with a clean non-fluffy cloth.

Go to a hospital for burns that are larger than the person’s palm, on the face, hands, feet or genitals, deep or blistering, or caused by chemicals or electricity. In India, call 112.

4. Protect eyes, especially children’s

Keep children at a safe distance from fireworks and make sure an adult lights them. If something gets into the eye, do not rub it. Rinse gently with clean water and get medical attention without delay.

5. Enjoy the sweets with a plan if you have diabetes

You do not have to skip mithai. Smaller portions, eating them with a meal rather than on an empty stomach, and spacing them out through the day are all reasonable. Keep taking your medicines as prescribed and check your sugar more often than usual during the festival week. If your readings are unusually high, speak to your doctor instead of changing doses yourself.

6. Keep food safe

Milk-based sweets and snacks spoil quickly in warm weather. Keep them covered, refrigerate what you do not finish promptly, and do not leave trays out for hours. Wash hands before preparing or serving food, and be extra careful with food prepared in large batches.

7. Rest, drink water and keep a rhythm

Late nights, rich meals and travel add up. Drink water through the day, try to keep a regular sleep window and take short walks after heavy meals. If you are travelling, bring a small kit with your medicines, a copy of your prescriptions and a doctor’s contact number.

When to get urgent help

Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department for chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, fainting, a serious burn, an eye injury, or signs of stroke such as sudden facial droop, arm weakness or slurred speech.

From all of us at Astra Healthcare, wishing you and your family a bright and healthy Diwali.

This article is general information and not a substitute for advice from your own doctor.