Even after city’s pollution level witnessed a lesser rise post Diwali this year, doctors at various hospitals advised people to stay indoors and refrain from going out for morning walk, saying the reduction is "only relative" and the pollutants still pose "serious health hazards".
They emphasised the need to take precautions, especially those who are susceptible to pulmonary ailments like asthma, bronchitis or those having eye-related problems. Delhi's 'Air Quality Index' (AQI) stood at 368, a huge improvement over the last year when it touched as high as 642.
Dr Maninder Shah Singh, Senior Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, Indian Spinal Injuries centre said "It has been found that air pollution with greater concentrations of nitrogen dioxide along with carbon monoxide, increase the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. Also, the lack of vitamin D plays a major role in bone related diseases. The prevalence of pollutants in the air obstructs a large amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from reaching the earth's surface. Now, the synthesis of vitamin D in the human body takes place when the skin is exposed to UV radiation," he said.
He further said that it becomes very necessary to take preventive measures and look after your bone health too. Certain vitamins are necessary for strong bones such as Vitamin C which helps in the formation of collagen that is the fibrous part of the bones and cartilage. "Vitamin K is also required to increase bone mineral density, especially in people with weak bones. This Vitamin is responsible for preventing bone fractures. Increased physical activity correlates well with better bone strength," he said.