Diwali Special: Seven simple tips for safe and healthy celebrations!

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: With the festival of lights round the corner, we are all set for celebrations with shopping, making sweets and decorating the house being the top priority. Diwali is usually inundated with loud crackers and a lot of sweets.

So, it is very important to set a limit and keep yourself free from unhealthy activities to celebrate the festival without compromising on your health.

Here are some tips for a healthy Diwali:

Eat healthy

To enjoy a healthy Diwali this year, replace all those fatty foods, the ghee-laden deserts, sweets and other fried stuffs with a healthier alternative like fruits and low calorie sweets. Avoid eating sweets that have a 'silver' coating as such foils are often adulterated by aluminium, which is a hazardous metal for your body.

Stay hydrated

Always keep ourselves hydrated as it is considered the best and effective tip to prevent after-festival health problems. Staying hydrated also cleanses waste materials from the body and helps satiate your hunger pangs.

Avoid artificial sweets

Avoid eating artificial sweeteners that contain aspartame as they are reported to cause brain tumour or cancer. Using chemical preservatives in sweets also increases the risk of kidney or liver damage, asthma and cancer. Make this Diwali healthy by opting for sweets that are made from sugar or jaggery.

Limit alcohol intake

One should limit their alcohol intake during Diwali if at all they can't avoid it. Exessive alcohol not only causes dehydration, gives you a hangover and makes you look tired. And the most importantly it also increases the risk of accidents on the auspicious day. So, avoid alcohol during celebration and instead opt for some fresh fruit juices and soups.

Cut down on crackers

Though this might be difficult for some people to say 'No' to crackers but it is better to cut down on the amount of crackers as it will lead to lesser air and sound pollution.

Keep a first aid kit handy

Always keep a first aid kit handy on Diwali, as there are chances that someone might experience health issues while playing with crackers and fireworks. Hence, it is recommended to keep a first aid kit that includes inhalers, eye drops and creams to treat burns are very handy as they may help prevent major complications.

Wear earplugs and masks

It is recommended to wear earplugs during this festival as the bustling sound of crackers might damage ear drums in some people and also cause increased heart rate in old people and those with cardiac problems. And those people who have lung problems like COPD or asthma are advised to use masks especially while going out.

So, follow the above tips to enjoy a safe, happy Diwali!