Pollution: Help Your Kids Breathe Better

The pollution levels across many Indian cities is having an adverse impact on residents’ health. There are plenty of villains behind this ‘airpocalypse’, from outdated fuel standards for vehicles to geographical factors to crop burning and toxic factory emissions. 

Children are the most vulnerable to this pollution as the have faster breathing rates and their lungs are still developing. Here are few simple ways to help protect your kids and help them breathe better:

• Use anti-pollution face masks preferably N99 or N95: While it may be hard to convince your child to wear a mask, a good quality face masks can filter out dangerous airborne particles and protect your child. Also, take care that the face mask fits your child well and there is no space for air to enter otherwise the purpose of wearing a face mask will be defeated.
• Incorporate more fruits and veggies in your child’s diet to increase vitamin and antioxidant intake: Raw foods and fresh fruits are a great way to refresh and rejuvenate our body. Fruits and veggies will help keep your immune systems well nourished. Include good amounts of antioxidant-rich foods like berries, onion, carrot, spinach, milk and nuts in your little one’s diet to help them detoxify on a regular basis.
• Keeping Natural air purifying plants indoors (Money plant, Aloe Vera, Mother-in-law’s tongue): Many of us avoid keeping plants indoor due to the fear of pollen and allergies. But the plants help purify the air inside the house. Mother in law’s tongue is one of the top air purifying plants. It can go weeks without water and thrives in just about any climate.
• Limit outdoor activities except for necessary ones like going to school: Staying indoors is the best way to limit your little ones’ exposure to air pollution. Think of innovative ideas to make your kids play indoors. This would definitely have a positive impact on their health.
• Make your child aware about the effects of pollution and do’s & don’ts to protect themselves better: In addition to the education at school, you need to teach your children about the ill effects of air pollution and what precautions they can take in order to minimize its effects on their bodies. Talking about it in the day to day interactions with children and increasing their knowledge about air pollution measurement parameters is a good idea as well.

 

Apart from these steps check the pollution levels regularly using mobile apps like Air Visual, Air Pollution Check etc. This will help you understand the severity of the situation and take the necessary steps to safeguard the health of your little one.