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The Pandemic has officially ended. It seems to be the message we received. Announcing the pandemic’s end has caused quite an uproar.
What’s the final word? What’s the point of everything?
Experts believe it’s highly likely that the majority of us have been afflicted by COVID-19 and that we have plenty of people who have been vaccinated. This means that for a majority people, the risk of COVID-19 isn’t like it used to be just a few years earlier. However, the incidences of COVID have been declining gradually, yet over 300 Americans still die each day from COVID. These numbers don’t sound like they’re over are they?
What’s not over now — particularly in the case of loved ones who are at risk of severe death or disease from COVID-19 — is proper hand hygiene practices, common sense strategies for going into crowds (wear masks!) and having them tested. Vaccines and boosters can help to protect people from serious diseases and even death. For those who are over 70 or who have any type of health condition , including dare I say inactivity disease remains not finished, and we should be talking about it.
That’s right, exercise.
The fall season is when we begin to spend more time in the house. It’s darker earlier and it’s much easier to move from your desk to couch and back to bed with plenty of food to eat in between. If you’re reading a COVID article in the latter half of 2022, noting my suggestions for testing, masking and ventilation, you’re seriously thinking about your health as well as the health of the people in your vicinity. If you’re following the safety guidelines but aren’t doing any exercise, you’re basically adding a bumper to your car , but you’re not replacing the oil and adding air into the tires. This is a recipe for disastrous results.
A study conducted in March that covered nearly two million people across 10 countries revealed that those who exercised regularly in exercise every week were at an eleven percent decrease in chance of being infected with SARS-CoV-2 the COVID-19 virus-causing virus. They also had a 36 percent less risk of hospitalization as well as a 44 percent lower chance of developing severe COVID-related disease and 43 percent lower risk of dying due to the virus than people aged the same who were more sedentary.
Seasons of flu and cold and colder the winter months, and holidays is a challenge for many to remain active. I’m aware that I must be more active and get moving. I love to travel but I’m not in the best shape to travel. I’m in need of some help but I asked my coworkers from UIHS who are involved in that “moving” company. They gave me some fantastic suggestions that I’d love to provide to you. These suggestions were provided to me by Ryan Matteri, UIHS Fitness Coordinator, and Dennis Hernandez, Physical Therapy Provider:
The exercises below are just suggestions. They’re not an “one size is every” solution. Ailments can make exercising harder. Certain of these tips might be a good idea when you experience pain or discomfort when you move or have recently suffered an injury. Consult your primary health care physician if you’re unsure.
Regular exercise is among the most beneficial actions you can take to improve your well-being. Thirty minutes of physical activity can reduce the chance of suffering from chronic illness and improve your fitness as well as prevent injuries while improving your general physical/mental well-being. As winter months are coming it is not uncommon for the weather to not cooperate with outdoor activities. Here are five ways to help you move throughout the day when you’re stuck inside this winter
1. Supported squats in the kitchen counter, sit-to stand from a sturdy sofa or chair as well as lunges, push-ups or abdominal crunches. These exercises are traditional and require little space and are ideal to work particular muscles.
2. You can walk around your home during commercial breaks of your favorite television film or show.
3. Make use of the stairs. A few strenuous walks up and down steps will soon have your heart rate up. You can increase the speed to gain more benefits. As several trips in a row as you possibly can.
4. Doing chores around the house. Numerous household activities burn calories in a short time and also do a great job of strengthening different muscles.
5. Get moving to the beat of your own music. A few minutes of dancing to your favorite songs every day and night could be a huge help in reaching your fitness goals. Plus, it’s entertaining!
If you are unable to carry out on your workout due to difficulties standing, then you need to consider doing the chair exercise. Physical therapists at our clinic can help you through the exercises, and there are many options online, too.
I urge you to exercise more to improve your physical and mental well-being. Depression, loneliness, isolation, anxiety and fear have taken a impact on a lot of us. Although this is improving but it’s essential to be open about your mental wellbeing and get help when you require it. A few minutes of exercise can help in improving your mental health and will help your body feel healthier too.
If you’re serious about stopping the negative effects of COVID-19 renew your commitment to fitness and living a healthy life.
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Michelle Lewis-Lusso (she/her) is an Infection Prevention and Control nurse at United Indian Health Services, providing care to the more than 11,000 clients and staff in their seven clinics in the area. Michelle does not want to make it to Ms. Olympia, but she might want to climb Mt. Olympia in the future and will keep working out.
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