Exercising through the lockdown
The World Health Organization is in the spotlight as it helps countries tackle the COVID-19 pandemic that, at latest update (April 21), has infected 2,482,044 people and killed 170,456 globally. The organization advises that we all can stay stronger by undertaking physical activity, and that some effort is better than doing none. By being more active throughout the day in relatively simple ways, people can quite easily achieve the recommended activity levels.
These are the levels of physical activity that WHO recommends people of different ages undertake.
Children and adolescents aged 5-17 years
- Should do at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
- Physical activity of amounts more than 60 minutes daily provides additional health benefits.
- Should include activities that strengthen muscle and bone, at least three times per week.
Adults aged 18–64 years
- Should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity throughout the week, or do at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity, or an equivalent combination of both.
- For additional health benefits, adults should increase their moderate-intensity physical activity to 300 minutes per week, or equivalent.
- Muscle-strengthening activities should be done involving major muscle groups on two or more days a week.
Adults aged 65 years and above
- Should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity throughout the week, or at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity, or an equivalent combination of both.
- For additional health benefits, they should increase moderate-intensity physical activity to 300 minutes per week, or equivalent.
- Those with poor mobility should perform physical activity to enhance balance and prevent falls, three or more days per week.
- Muscle-strengthening activities should be done involving major muscle groups, two or more days a week.
Wearing masks and social distancing are regarded as the best defences against the new COVID-19 but being fit may help the body’s immune system and at least give a psychological boost in this troublesome time.
Visitors to FirstMed are checked for coronavirus symptoms, which are typically flu-like, including a fever and cough. After a week, these could lead to shortness of breath, with about 20% of patients requiring hospital treatment.
The WHO says that, notably, the COVID-19 infection rarely seems to cause a runny nose, sneezing, or sore throat (these symptoms have been observed in only about 5% of patients). Sore throat, sneezing, and stuffy nose are most often signs of a cold.
During the epidemic, FirstMed has introduced a Telemedicine service for video consultations on its wide range of services. The clinic has 125 medical professionals.
