New Delhi, October 24 (IANS). Chhath Puja is now near and preparations for it are going on in full swing across the country. Especially in some states including Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand, its competition is more visible. Many people are returning to their villages, while some are preparing to celebrate this festival in Delhi itself.
However, due to the rapidly increasing pollution in Delhi, there is a risk of increasing health problems during Chhath Puja. Senior Medical Officer and Gynecology expert Dr. Meera Pathak has given important information about the health problems occurring during this period and preventive measures.
He has told that during Chhath Puja, women take a dip in the Yamuna river, which has become quite polluted. This water contains sewage, garbage and many types of toxins, which are very harmful for health. Coming in contact with this polluted water can cause many types of diseases. Women especially need to take special precautions to avoid these dangers.
Dr. Meera Pathak said, “Coming in contact with Yamuna water can cause skin problems like skin infection, allergies, itching, rashes and boils and if water accidentally gets into the eyes, there can be complaints of redness, burning or watering. At the same time, getting water in the nose or mouth can cause problems like allergy, cough, sore throat or pain. Apart from this, fever, stomach ache, vomiting, Serious diseases like diarrhea, typhoid and hepatitis A and E can also occur. Problems like urinary tract infection (UTI), burning sensation in urine, vaginal discharge can also increase in women. “Fasting and exposure to polluted water can lead to health issues like fatigue, dizziness or fainting.”
Dr. Meera Pathak has also given some important suggestions regarding safety during Chhath Puja. He has told that after taking a dip in Yamuna, do not stay in water for too long. If possible, come out immediately after the puja.
He said, “Before taking a dip, apply coconut or mustard oil, or Vaseline on the body. This will protect the skin. Try to keep the body covered as much as possible so that contact with water is reduced. At the same time, prevent water from entering the eyes, nose and mouth, so that the risk of serious diseases is reduced. Keep clean drinking water with you during the puja and try to come out of the water after the puja.”
He further said, “Make sure to keep clean drinking water with you during the puja and if possible, do not stay in wet clothes for long after that. Take a bath with clean water and change your clothes. Along with this, keep a hygiene kit with you, which contains antiseptic wipes, antifungal powder, hand sanitizer, Dettol or Savlon liquid. After the puja, wipe hands and feet with antiseptic wipes and Use sanitizer. Mix a few drops of Dettol or Savlon in clean water for bathing. Use antifungal powder on the skin. At the same time, before accepting the Prasad, sanitize your hands thoroughly, so that polluted water does not enter the stomach and there is no stomach related disease.
Preparations for Chhath Puja are in full swing in Delhi, but the health risks due to polluted Yamuna water should not be ignored.
–IANS
NS/AS
