Air air everywhere... But not an inch to breath!

According to WHO (World Health Organization) Reports, air pollution has become world's single biggest environmental health risk, linked to around 7 million deaths in just one year - 2012.  Air pollution is increasingly linked with ill health and deaths in rich countries as traffic emissions rise. 

The question then arises - "What is the solution to this madness? It isn't possible that we stop breathing! So then how should we deal with the harmful effects of this pollution?"

Well, here are a few answers you could consider…

     1.    Breath-in – Hold – Breath-out:

This is just to emphasize on the practice that is required to breath properly.  Most of us do not pay any attention to our breathing patterns, and hence never realize if we are doing it correctly or not.  Practicing by doing breathing exercises, especially as a regular morning practice, ensures stimulation of all cells of the body and also sets the correct breathing pattern for your body, for the day.

     2.    Re-locate:

Though it may sound too glamorous to be done, the thing is that most of the western countries have better pollution control as compared to those practiced in the Indian sub-continent, resulting in higher health risks due to air pollution in this part of the world.  If you can, and if you feel up to the task, see if you are ready to go that extra mile(s) to another place of better health conditions.

     
     3.    Conserve energy:

Do you find yourself reaching for the vehicle keys, even to reach your neighbour’s home? Pause. Think. Put the keys back.

It is essential for us to conserve all types of resources being provided to us by the generosity of Mother Nature, and the technology of human mind.  We have it, we can afford it.  But remember, there is a thin line of difference between use and abuse.  Ensure that you are maintaining it as well as respecting it.

     4.    Consume antioxidants in some form:

Antioxidants are substances (occurring naturally, or even man-made) which may act as a preventive steps from the strain of the pollution as they are able to prevent or delay some types of cell damage.  Examples of antioxidants include vitamins C and E, selenium, and carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin.  These nutrients are available in fresh vegetables and fruits.  They can be also made available through other herbal sources of supplements.