The new urban exercise hazard: pollution!

The principle being this danger is expressed by Dr. Joseph T. Cooke, Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine and Patient Safety Officer at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, he says the main culprits are ozone, fine particulate matter, and carbon monoxide, lungs and respiratory system are irritated by these pollutants and can increase the problems of asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or cardiopulmonary maladies.

Dr. Cooke says that epidemiologic studies have linked air pollutants to harmful effects on the heart and lungs, to emergency hospital admissions, and to deaths.

Dr. Cooke advices by some simple points:

1. Avoidance of running near roads with heavy truck or bus traffic.

2. Best time for workout if early morning or late evening

3. Indoor exercise is better than in the open

if these pints are kept in mind the dangers can be avoided.