Demolish all illegal structures within 15 km of international border: Amit ShahDemolish all illegal structures within 15 km of international border: Amit Shah Published on: May 27, 2026 2:00 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link New Delhi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed the authorities to
Canada said on Tuesday (May 26, 2026) it will temporarily ban residents from three African countries amid an Ebola outbreak. Residents of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan will be banned from entering Canada for 90 days starting on Wednesday (May 27, 2026)
Stray dog at Hyderabad airport lounge seen eating leftovers, sparks hygiene debateA stray dog spotted at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport lounge in Hyderabad has gone viral after being seen eating leftovers. Published on: May 27, 2026 2:03 PM IST By Vaishali Kapila Share via Copy link A video
Kareena Kapoor's nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar shares 3 desi hacks to beat the heat naturally at home: Wala roots to…To combat heat, Rujuta Diwekar recommends adding vetiver roots to water, applying henna to the hands and drinking buttermilk with spices. Here's how they help. Updated on: May 27
San Francisco-bound Air India flight, airborne for over 8 hours, returns to Delhi after technical snagAir India further added that the flight landed safely in Delhi and will undergo a technical inspection. Updated on: May 27, 2026 2:28 PM IST By HT News Desk Share via Copy link An Air India flight
, who left in March from its India used-car CEO role, has joined company as cofounder.Pune-headquartered EMotorad, founded in 2020, is backed by the likes of Panthera Growth Partners, Green Frontier Capital and Binny Bansal's xto10x."What EMotorad has built is genuinely exciting
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham termed "problematic" the role of Pakistan as a mediator in the United States' war with Iran. Mr. Graham's remarks came as Pakistan's Defence Minister Khwaja Asif said he is not in favour of Islamabad joining the Abraham Accords
Ashneer Grover once shut down his pitch with ‘Tu baith jaa yar’. Now he’s headed to Y CombinatorAn entrepreneur has shared his journey from being dismissed by Ashneer Grover to getting into the world’s most prestigious startup accelerator, Y Combinator. Updated on: May 27
Cardiologist says pollution worsens outcomes for kids born with heart defects
The air quality is getting worse in Delhi-NCR, becoming a growing concern year after year. Toxic air is a major cause of many illnesses and affects more than just lung health. Recent reports show that it can also harm children with heart problems. Each year, as smog increases and air quality declines, children become more vulnerable to its effects. Their developing bodies may be at risk for heart defects. This concern worsens because air pollution can harm their health and make them more sensitive to harmful particles such as PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone.
When pollution increases, more young patients have trouble breathing or recovering from illnesses. Children with heart defects, whether they were born with holes in their hearts or had surgeries to fix these issues, already face challenges, Dr Vikas Kohli, Pediatric Cardiologist, Founder of the Child Heart Foundation (CHF), tells Health Shots. Their hearts need to work harder. When air quality gets worse, it puts even more pressure on these fragile systems.
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation. This thickens the blood and irritates blood vessels, potentially reducing oxygen flow. "Healthy children can adapt to these environmental stressors, but this is not true for kids with heart problems", shares the pediatric cardiologist. For them, the stress from PM2.5 builds up slowly and can worsen their health over time.
What can we do to help keep our kids safe from this danger? Here are five strategies that can really help.
One important step parents can take is to stay informed about the air quality in their area. "Checking the Air Quality Index (AQI) is easy, as many apps and websites provide real-time updates", shares the doctor. If the AQI enters the red zone, children with heart defects should stay indoors.
Pollution levels are highest in the morning and evening when traffic is heaviest. To protect your child, consider changing your family's schedule during these times. You can delay outdoor play or adjust school drop-off times to help reduce their exposure to harmful pollutants.
Many parents mistakenly think their homes are free of pollution. But indoor air pollution can be just as harmful. Daily activities like cooking, burning incense, or even dust from carpets can make the air unhealthy. To keep your home safe, follow cardiologist's advice: "ensure it's well-ventilated and close it off during periods of high outdoor pollution."
Simple habits can improve your home's air quality. Use exhaust fans when cooking, dust and vacuum regularly, and avoid burning materials indoors to keep your space clean. "Consider installing HEPA-filtered air purifiers, especially if you live in a polluted area", shares the expert. Reports show that children who sleep in cleaner rooms wake up with better oxygen levels, leading to healthier mornings.
In a world where pollution harms health, regular check-ups are important. Many families do not realise how crucial these visits are during months with high pollution levels. Even small drops in oxygen levels can put extra strain on a child's heart, often without showing apparent symptoms.
The expert recommends that "parents regularly check their child's oxygen levels, blood pressure, and heart rhythm". Many parents now use pulse oximeters at home to monitor oxygen levels. If the readings drop, it's important to contact a healthcare provider quickly to prevent problems. Also, scheduling check-ups during the smog season can help doctors adjust treatment plans promptly. Remember, it's easier to prevent issues than to recover from them.
Lung health and heart function are closely connected, but this link is often ignored. Children with heart defects are at a greater risk for serious problems from respiratory infections, especially when the air quality is poor. "During periods of pollution, even a slight cough can develop into a severe chest infection, which may lead to hospitalisation", shares the expert.
Choose warm water instead of cold drinks, eat balanced meals with plenty of vitamins, especially vitamin C, and make sure to get enough rest. These simple choices can help boost your child's immune system and provide protection against common health challenges.
While people should take precautions, community efforts can improve air quality. Parents of children with heart conditions can play a key role in pushing for cleaner environments. "You can help by joining or starting neighbourhood campaigns to reduce pollution", shares Dr Kohli. Consider initiatives like tree-planting, carpooling, and lobbying against harmful practices such as burning waste. These actions can make a big difference in your community.
Schools have an important role in helping children deal with air pollution. They can adjust schedules to keep kids indoors when the air quality is poor. Schools can also hold workshops to teach everyone about pollution and its health effects.
(Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.)
Source: HindustanTimes
Related Posts: Air quality gets worse in Delhi Trump quietly approves Russia-Ukraine peace plan demanding major concessions from Kyiv GRAP 2 curbs revoked in Delhi-NCR as air quality improves Measures to curb pollution imposed in Delhi-NCR amid ‘poor’ air quality GRAP-1 curbs imposed in Delhi-NCR as air quality slips to ‘poor’ category GRAP 3 revoked in Delhi-NCR as air quality improves GRAP 4 revoked in Delhi-NCR as air quality improves CAQM revokes GRAP III in Delhi-NCR as air quality improves BREAKING | CAQM Revokes GRAP-3 Curbs In Delhi-NCR As Air Quality Improvement Delhi-NCR placed under GRAP Stage 1 curbs as air quality turns ‘poor’
Israel says it killed the commander of Hamas's military wing, Mohammed Odeh, in a strike in Gaza on Tuesday - days after his predecessor died in a similar attack. At least three Palestinians were killed and dozens more were injured in Tuesday's major attack
14 minutes ago
Air India currently operates about 4,400 flights each week, including approximately 3,600 domestic and 800 international services. Air India on Wednesday announced to “rationalise” operations on select domestic routes between June and August 2026. Amid the soaring fuel prices
13 minutes ago
100 gharial hatchlings at Chambal sanctuary boost conservation efforts100 gharial hatchlings at Chambal sanctuary boost conservation efforts Published on: May 27, 2026 2:34 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Jaipur, Around 100 gharial hatchlings have emerged from four nests in the Palighat area of the
13 minutes ago
Britannia Industries is set to raise prices on its Good Day biscuit family packs by Rs 10 across key variants, according to distributor sources. The Pista Badam 526g pack will be priced at Rs 140, the Butter family pack at Rs 120, and the Cashew family pack at Rs 130
14 minutes ago
Why did Joe Biden sue DOJ? 5 things to know about his ‘private’ audio recordings set to be releasedJoe Biden sued the US Department of Justice, seeking to prevent the release of audio recordings and transcripts of private conversations with his biographer. Published on: May 27
13 minutes ago
On the morning of December 17, 1967, Australian Prime Minister Harold Holt travelled to Cheviot Beach near Melbourne with a group of friends for what was supposed to be a relaxed day by the ocean. Within hours, the country’s leader had disappeared into the sea and would never be seen again
13 minutes ago
Indian benchmark indices traded flat around noon on Tuesday as gains in metal, media and auto stocks offset weakness in financial and IT counters. At 12:35 pm, the Nifty 50 was trading 16 points up at 23,913.50, while the Sensex was up 35 points at 75,995.77
14 minutes ago
As temperatures rise, staying hydrated becomes just as important as staying cool. The good news is that you don’t need complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen to enjoy refreshing summer beverages. From protein-rich sattu sharbat to cooling chaas and tangy jaljeera
13 minutes ago
Recent reports of Ebola outbreaks in Central Africa have once again drawn global attention to this group of haemorrhagic fever viruses. However, there have been no reported cases in the Indian subcontinent so far. According to Dr Neha Mishra, Consultant – Infectious Diseases
14 minutes ago
The Congress party has strongly criticized the government regarding the CBSE's On-Screen Marking system. They allege that the Education Minister ignored advice, leading to student distress. The party is demanding the immediate resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
13 minutes ago
Cardiologist explains why ‘normal’ stress test does not mean arteries are clean, shares 5 symptoms to look out forA stress test does not give the total picture of the cardiac blood vessels. As such, the risk of heart attack remains, shares Dr Yaranov. Updated on: May 27
12 minutes ago
The Cleveland Cavaliers crashed out of the NBA playoffs in humiliating fashion on Monday, getting swept by the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals after a brutal 130-93 defeat in Game 4. And almost immediately, the familiar speculation returned: could LeBron James make one final return
14 minutes ago
The Congress on Wednesday (May 27, 2026) paid rich tributes to Jawaharlal Nehru on his death anniversary, with Rahul Gandhi saying that India's first Prime Minister's visionary leadership will continue to "guide us forever". Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former party chief Rahul Gandhi
14 minutes ago
Organisational intelligence, the new growth pivot for enterprises, is emerging as a key differentiator between growth and stagnation of organisations. The key to being on the greener side of this phenomenon is the ability to learn faster and knowing how to put that knowledge into execution
13 minutes ago
Fans of Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh are reacting with shock after a major film workers' union asked its members not to work with him over his alleged abrupt exit from the upcoming movie Don 3. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE)
13 minutes ago
Ahead of the first Qualifier here, Arun Dhumal, the IPL chairman, spoke to The Hindu about the way ahead for the league. Ideally, in a 10-team format, you should have nine home and nine away games. Logistical challenges and the commitment given to bilateral series are the reasons we haven’t made
14 minutes ago
The U.S. Space Force has awarded SpaceX a $2.29 billion contract to build a secure, high-speed satellite communications network to connect military sensors and weapons platforms across the globe, the service announced on Tuesday. The fixed-price nontraditional contracting agreement
14 minutes ago
Nuno Espirito Santo will stay on as West Ham manager to lead their fight to get back to the Premier League at the first attempt. The Portuguese met with the club's senior management on Monday in the wake of their relegation from the top flight
13 minutes ago
Exclusive| Renuka Shahane to direct husband Ashutosh Rana for the first time in a short film, shares detailsAfter celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary, Renuka Shahane reveals to us that she is directing husband Ashutosh Rana for the first time in a short film Updated on: May 27
13 minutes ago
Republicans in South Carolina have defied US President Donald Trump ahead of the November midterm elections by blocking a measure to redraw voting maps in their favour. They allowed the state's only Democrat in the US House of Representatives, Jim Clyburn, to keep his seat intact
14 minutes ago
Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh met spiritual leader Sadhguru recently amid controversy surrounding his Don 3 exit. Recently, the official Instagram handle of Sadhguru shared a glimpse of Singh’s interaction with the spiritual leader, in which the actor was asking about the purpose of life
13 minutes ago
Who is Wade Wilson's biological father and where is he now? All on Steven Testasecca as Worst Ex Ever streams on NetflixSteven Testasecca, Wade Wilson's biological father, played a crucial role in his son's arrest for two murders in 2019. May 27, 2026
14 minutes ago
An Israeli airstrike on a village in eastern Lebanon killed 12 people, state media said on Tuesday (May 26, 2026), as an Israeli official said the military had called up more troops to Lebanon. The strike hit the village of Mashghara in the Bekaa Valley late Monday (May 25)
3 hours ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.On Sunscreen Day, dermatologists debunk common myths and share key ingredients to watch forWhether you stay indoors or simply commuting to work
3 hours ago
Woman shares 'things she has been told as a big-chested girl in India': 'Could be sign of a disease'At 19, Piyali Roy was told being 'big-chested' could be a disease. She shares the unsolicited advice, policing, and harassment big-chested women face. Published on: May 27
3 hours ago
Firefighters battled a grass fire in Edinburgh and temperature records toppled as a spring heatwave scorched parts of Western Europe, triggering government warnings about risks to life. London recorded a rare “tropical night,” defined as one in which the temperature does not fall below 20
3 hours ago
Spain’s Consumer Rights Ministry temporarily banned so-called prediction markets Polymarket and Kalshi for operating in the country without a gambling licence, the official state gazette showed on Tuesday. In a statement, the ministry said its gambling watchdog had opened a probe
3 hours ago
