Can you believe the holiday season is already upon us?! 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic has presented its own set of challenges for health and wellness and we want to discuss some of this with you as we close out the year.

Currently, Colorado is in the “red” category of the dial system. This means that while we can stay open as a medical clinic, gyms are operating at a very limited capacity of around 10%.  On top of this, the weather is getting colder, making outdoor recreational activities much more difficult. So does that mean it’s time to throw in the towel on your physical activity for the year? NO!

In addition to mask wearing, washing your hands, and social distancing, there has been multiple sources of evidence that states regular physical activity can not only help prevent contracting infectious disease, but also prevents death from infectious disease.

Da Silveira et al performed a meta-analysis of the current literature (55 publications) supporting this theory. In his review he states, “This study shows that higher levels of habitual physical activity are associated with a 31% lower prospective risk of infectious disease and 38% lower risk of infectious disease related mortality.”

This is incredible! So let me get this straight:

Regular physical activity and exercise:

  • Lowers and/or prevents the risk of developing chronic diseases such as type-2 diabetes, metabolic disorder, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, etc. 
  • Modulates stress hormones and neurotransmitters related to experiencing depression and anxiety and can improve mood
  • Improves digestion and bowel function
  • Regulates sleep cycle 
  • Stimulates memory and cortical functioning
  • AND can help you battle COVID-19!!

Are you convinced? Today, make it your mission to MOVE! If you are struggling to find an at home exercise routine that can address your needs specifically, schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with us, your movement specialists, ASAP! 

Last but not least, from all of us at Integrative Physiotherapy, we wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday season and thank you for your continued support of our practice. 

Reference

da Silveira MP, da Silva Fagundes KK, Bizuti MR, Starck É, Rossi RC, de Resende E Silva DT. Physical exercise as a tool to help the immune system against COVID-19: an integrative review of the current literature [published online ahead of print, 2020 Jul 29]. Clin Exp Med. 2020;1-14.