Should we limit going out due to pollution?

Recently, the air quality in Hanoi has worsened. The AQI index is at a dangerous level, which can negatively affect health.

Some sensitive groups of people have poor resistance and are susceptible to colds, such as the elderly, pregnant women, children and people with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Groups of patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and chronic rhinosinusitis are also at risk. Exposure to cold air and pollution increases respiratory diseases, even in healthy people. Long-term exposure increases the risk of chronic lung disease.

However, people should not stay indoors for fear of pollution. Like children, the elderly need to go outside and exercise to increase their resistance.

To be safe, elderly people should not exercise early in the morning or late at night. They can exercise indoors or when the weather is warm and sunny. Avoid going to crowded places, avoid contact with people who are sick or staying outside in the cold for too long. Parents should equip children with warm clothes when going out. They should not wear too thick clothes but should wear many layers to escape heat more easily.

In addition, people need to keep their living environment clean, sleep on time and get enough sleep, and exercise every day. Maintain a reasonable, scientific, balanced diet full of necessary nutrients, micronutrients, and vitamins. Eat cooked and drink boiled to avoid gastrointestinal diseases. Do not eat rancid or moldy food to avoid infection, and keep bowls and chopsticks clean. Continuously monitor weather forecasts to travel and take the best care of your family’s health.