Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Feb 7: Renowned pulmonologist Dr Naveed Nazir Shah has called for regulating mobile phone usage, particularly among children and the elderly, to prevent addiction and mental exhaustion.
Speaking to the media in Srinagar, Dr Naveed, acknowledged the importance of the digital revolution, noting that mobile phones and the internet have become essential for official work, studies, and communication. However, he warned that excessive screen time is leading to addiction, affecting not only children but also retired individuals who spend prolonged hours on their devices.
He highlighted the growing influence of artificial intelligence, saying that an overreliance on AI-driven content is contributing to mental fatigue. Urging parents to monitor their children’s screen time, he recommended the use of parental controls to track online activities.
Dr Naveed underlined the importance of balanced mobile usage and called for greater awareness of the potential harms of excessive screen exposure, especially among individuals under 18.
Addressing health concerns specific to Jammu and Kashmir, the noted pulmonologist said that respiratory illnesses are common due to the region’s climatic conditions. “Cold and dry air in winter often worsens symptoms such as cough, breathlessness, chest tightness and wheezing, particularly for individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),” he said.
These respiratory issues, Dr Naveed said, are due to multiple factors, including climatic conditions, smoking and high pollen concentrations due to Kashmir’s greenery. “During the spring season, pollen levels in the atmosphere rise significantly, leading to a higher incidence of allergic diseases,” he said.
With winter coming to an end and spring approaching, Dr Naveed cautioned that allergy-related issues will likely increase. He advised patients to follow their doctor’s recommendations carefully, saying that adhering to treatment protocols can help keep symptoms under control and prevent severe complications.
“We often see patients seeking treatment only when symptoms appear. However, those suffering from chronic respiratory conditions should follow a continuous treatment regimen, just like diabetic and hypertensive patients do,” he added.
