| Let the festival of Lights Breathe Life, Not Smoke: Dr Sushil | | | Early Times Report
JAMMU, Nov 1: Highlighting the growing threat of air pollution and its adverse impact on cardiovascular health, Head Department of Cardiology, GMCH Jammu Dr Sushil Kumar Sharma held a day-long Cardiac Awareness-cum-Health Check-up Camp at Jai Shri Sachidanand Ashram, Block Marh, Jammu. The camp aimed to sensitize people about pollution-related cardiac risks through health screening, medical consultations and preventive healthcare guidance. Participants were educated about early identification of cardiac risk factors and measures to minimize exposure to air pollution.Individuals identified with increased cardiac risk were advised further medical evaluation, regular follow up and timely intervention.
While Interacting with the people Dr Sushil stated that air pollution has emerged as a major environmental risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. He explained that harmful gases, smoke, dust and fine particulate matter, particularly PM2.5, can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammation, oxidative stress and damage to blood vessels. These changes can increase blood pressure, promote blood clot formation and elevate the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attacks, strokes and abnormal heart rhythms. He emphasized that air pollution is not merely a respiratory concern but a serious cardiovascular threat, particularly for people with hypertension, diabetes, obesity and pre-existing heart conditions.
Dr Sushil cautioned that prolonged exposure to polluted air can cause coughing, wheezing, throat irritation, chest discomfort and breathlessness. Children, elderly people, pregnant women and individuals with chronic cardiac or respiratory illnesses are particularly vulnerable. He advised people to monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI), avoid outdoor activities during periods of poor air quality, stay away from congested roads and use properly fitted N95 masks whenever outdoor exposure is unavoidable. Maintaining cleaner indoor environments, exercising in less polluted surroundings and continuing prescribed cardiac medications were also emphasized.
With Diwali approaching, Dr Sushil made a special appeal to the public to celebrate a Green Diwali by avoiding conventional firecrackers and adopting eco-friendly alternatives. He highlighted that fireworks release harmful gases, smoke and fine particulate matter, causing a sudden deterioration in air quality and increasing respiratory and cardiovascular risks. He encouraged people to celebrate with traditional lamps, diyas and other environmentally responsible practices and, wherever fireworks are used, prefer certified green crackers that comply with prescribed emission standards. He urged families, particularly the younger generation, to make Diwali a festival of happiness, love and togetherness rather than excessive smoke and noise, adding that a cleaner Diwali would be a meaningful gift to society and future generations.
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