How to exercise outdoors, when the smog’s a killer
Thursday, November 15, 2018 IST
We’re in the zone yet again: As Delhi’s air pollution levels hover between ‘unhealthy’ and ‘very unhealthy’, a group of physicians at the Heart Care Foundation of India have asked for the cancellation of the city’s always awaited Airtel Delhi Half Marathon, to be held on October 21. “Not running is not the solution,” says Dr Sangeeta Saikia, co-founder of Delhi Runners Group (DRG) that mobilises everyone from beginners to the seasoned sportsperson, to get moving in a country that sorely needs people to exercise more.
Yet, doctors have a cautionary note: “Your respiratory rate is higher than usual during exercise and it can damage your lungs when you inhale deeper. Exercise in pollution can precipitate a heart attack or stroke in those who are susceptible. These include people with arterial blockages, especially silent blockages (when you don’t know you have one), since there is the combination of physical stress and pollution,” says Dr KK Aggarwal, national president, HCFI.
So what does one do in a polluted city, besides the obvious choice of running on a treadmill in a gym? Dr Deepak Chaudhary, a sports medicine physician and full-marathon runner, who will be taking part in this year’s ADHM, says over the weekend, when he needs to do his long runs, he tries to venture a little distance from the heart of the city, to an area with greenery. Last year, he says the race sprinkled water on the track to ensure as little dust flew.
You can also monitor the city’s pollution levels to see when the best time is. Dr Adil Rizvi, chief of Cardio-thoracic surgery, PSRI, Delhi, says that he has downloaded an app that measures the air quality index. When it’s too polluted outdoors, he’ll stay in and exercise on the treadmill. Since there’s no substitute for cardio, it’s a fine balance to maintain. A healthy diet loaded with antioxidants and pranayama may not be able to offset the pollution, but they can keep your general health up.
Related Topics
Related News & Articles
Wanting that perfect figure to fit in all the clothes you ever wanted to but without dieting? The only best solution to your problem is working out.
Recently posted . 833 views . 1 min read
We look into the top 10 exercise bikes that you can buy online in India.
Outdoor cycling always is a great w...
Recently posted . 1K views . 13 min read
The study involved only men who were eating a fatty diet, but it adds to growing evidence that exercise timing matters and, for many of us, working out later migh...
Recently posted . 883 views . 2 min read
Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that destroys memory and thinking skills over time. It is the most common form of dementia in ...
Recently posted . 849 views . 1 min read
The exercise should include either moderate or vigorous aerobic activity with time devoted to strong activity should be at least three days a week.
Recently posted . 752 views . 1 min read
Trending News & Articles
Lung cancer is usually not noticeable during the early stages. Most people are diagnosed when the disease is at an advanced stage. According to Cancer.org, it is ...
Recently posted . 7K views . 2 min read
The health benefits of wood apple include [1] relief from constipation, indigestion, peptic ulcer, piles, respiratory problems, diarrhea, and dysentery. It also b...
Recently posted . 4K views . 2 min read
Bael, also known as the “Wood Apple”, is a species native to India. The bael tree is considered to be sacred to the Hindus. A famous drink known as sh...
Recently posted . 4K views . 2 min read
Do you know what milia are? Milia is a skin condition which causes the appearance of small white hard bumps on the skin which usually appear on the face, neck or ch...
Recently posted . 4K views . 2 min read
More in Food & Health
It is estimated that one out of every six Americans suffers from food poisoning each year. The main sources of this prevalent discomfort are bacteria, viruses, and ...
Recently posted. 1K views . 2 min read
My father-in-law was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease nearly 10 years ago. His tremor is noticeable and my daughter has known there is something that makes ...
Recently posted. 641 views . 2 min read
Are you looking for healthy meal prep ideas for breakfast? If yes, then you need to ensure that you avoid unhealthy fats, refined starch, and other unhealthy meals....
Recently posted. 738 views . 2 min read
Recently posted . 667 views
Recently posted . 805 views
Recently posted . 1K views
Recently posted . 1K views
Recently posted . 1K views . 80 min read
Recently posted . 986 views . 46 min read
You may not think much about almonds but they’re one of the world’s healthiest foods and it’s great to know what are almonds good for. They tast...
Recently posted. 733 views . 4 min read
Ingredients:
1/4 cup Rajma
1/4 cup Whole Urad dal
1/4 cup Chana dal
1 O...
Recently posted. 871 views . 10 min read