India, Nov. 10 -- Morning walks support physical and mental well-being, but rising pollution levels can make outdoor exercise risky. Dr Tarang Kulkarni, consultant pulmonologist at Jupiter Hospital, Thane, shares seven precautions to follow before heading out. Make checking the local air quality index (AQI) part of your morning routine. If it is poor or worse, shift your walk indoors, particularly if you belong to a high-risk group. Don't assume that 5-6am is the safest time to walk. Temperature inversion and low-wind conditions can trap pollutants close to the ground. Check local air quality before deciding when to exercise. Avoid roads with heavy traffic, junctions, bus depots, construction sites and visible dust or smoke. Choose parks and walking tracks away from major roads. Trees alone do not guarantee clean air. Avoid brisk walking, jogging, running and strenuous outdoor exercise when pollution levels are high. Reduce the duration and intensity of your walk or exercise indoors. Increased breathing during strenuous activity can mean greater exposure to polluted air. If you have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), avoid outdoor exercise on high-pollution days. Follow your prescribed medication plan and carry your rescue inhaler, if applicable. Stop exercising and move indoors if you experience unusual coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or breathlessness. Seek medical evaluation if symptoms persist or worsen. Severe breathlessness or chest pain warrants urgent medical attention. Poor AQI need not mean skipping physical activity. Try indoor walking, treadmill exercise, stationary cycling or other suitable indoor workouts....