Avoid early morning walk, wait for sun before stepping out

Mysuru: Keep the body warm in winter to prevent many ailments. This is what expert doctors are advising, with many becoming susceptible to several health disorders due to cold wave in winter season, in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic that struck the world three times in recent years.

Those suffering from asthma, pneumonia and cardiac-related diseases should be more cautious by adopting changes in the lifestyle to keep good health.

Medical Superintendent of city’s Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, Dr. K.S. Sadananda said “Take for instance the prevailing condition in North India where people are suffering from various health issues due to cold wave. With unabated pollution and cold wave, the threat of Coronavirus and other epidemics loom large. Though the situation is totally different in South India, we should be alert.”

Dr. Sadananda told SOM that “Respiratory ailments are more in cold season. Apart from pneumonia, the chances of heart attack is more among those suffering from cardiac-related ailments. Those having respiratory-related issues and admitted to hospitals, the rise in infection level hampers the functioning of heart leading to heart attack. It is advised to keep the body warm and avoid walking during early morning hours. It is better to go for walks only when the sun starts hovering on the top.”

Attributing several health disorders in the recent days to change in lifestyle, Dr. Sadananda said “The pressure on heart tends to increase when we consume cholesterol and sugar rich food and oily items. It is better to take pneumonia vaccine as a precaution every year.”

Chief Interventional Cardiologist at Apollo BGS Hospitals, Mysuru, Dr. Arun Srinivas said that “During winter season, water and phlegm gets deposited in the respiratory system. Those having blockages in the heart are bound to suffer from heart attack.”

Continuing, he said, “There has been an increase in the number of patients with complaints of heart attack reporting to the hospital between 3 am and 7 am. Asthma patients also suffer from respiratory related issues.  Hence, those having pneumonia, asthma, chest pain and cardiac related ailments must avoid going for a walk early mornings. Besides, they should also refrain from climbing the stairs and treading on risky roads to maintain blood pressure level.”