Building Awareness, Protecting Young Lungs
In response to rising Air Quality Index (AQI) levels and increasing respiratory concerns among children, Shiv Nadar School Faridabad conducted an online Respiratory Health Awareness Session on 6 December 2025. The session was organised to support families with timely, evidence-based guidance on safeguarding respiratory health during periods of poor air quality.
The session was led by two parent experts from the medical fraternity: Dr. Manisha Mendiratta, Associate Director & Head of Pulmonology, Sarvodaya Hospital, and Dr. Prashant Mehta, Senior Consultant – Hematology, Medical Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad. Their insights combined clinical expertise with practical, everyday applicability for families.
The discussion was thoughtfully moderated by Ms. Preeti Gautam, Head – Early Years, who ensured a structured flow of conversation and facilitated parent questions with clarity and sensitivity. Parents engaged actively throughout the session, raising relevant concerns and seeking guidance, making the interaction both meaningful and informative.
During the session, the speakers highlighted the direct impact of elevated AQI levels on lung health, particularly for young children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Parents were guided on recognising early warning signs such as persistent cough, wheezing, noisy breathing, recurring sore throats, and shortness of breath, with emphasis on the importance of early medical consultation.
Practical preventive measures for home and daily routines were discussed in detail. These included the use of HEPA-based air purifiers, avoiding ionisers and ozone generators, maintaining adequate hydration, reducing outdoor exposure during poor AQI days, and preferring wet mopping over dry sweeping to minimise indoor dust circulation. Clear guidance on masking was shared, recommending N95/KN95 masks for effective protection during high AQI periods, while noting that surgical and cloth masks offer minimal defence against air pollution.
Parents were also advised to regularly monitor AQI levels and make informed adjustments to daily routines. Avoiding outdoor activities near high-traffic areas and kerbside walking was strongly recommended. When outdoor activity is unavoidable, the relatively safer window identified was between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
The session concluded with a strong emphasis on preventive care, informed decision-making, and shared responsibility between the school and families in ensuring children’s respiratory health and overall well-being. The initiative reflected Shiv Nadar School Faridabad’s continued commitment to proactive parent engagement and holistic student care.
