These are amazing numbers. If such a drug existed, it would be hailed as a miracle.
Such a “miracle” actually exists, and we have known it for many years. Decades of research have demonstrated the benefits of exercise for physical health, cognitive stability, and emotional health.Studies during the pandemic show that physical activity also Lower hospitalization and mortality rates From the reduced likelihood of COVID-19 long covid development.
A new systematic review published in British Journal of Sports Medicine summarizes 196 previous studies involving more than 30 million adults. Their findings included the aforementioned remarkable reductions in cardiovascular disease, cancer, and death.
These results were seen in individuals who engaged in moderate-intensity exercise for 150 minutes or more per week (just over 20 minutes per day). This is the amount of physical activity recommended by many health promotion organizations. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and British National Health Service.
Interestingly, researchers found that even half the recommended amount had significant health benefits. a 17% reduction in cancer, a 7% reduction in cancer, and a 23% reduction in the risk of early death.
The authors estimate that about 1 in 10 premature deaths could be avoided if everyone got at least 75 minutes of physical activity per week.
75 minutes discovery is important. For those who work multiple jobs and care for children or elderly parents, 150 minutes of exercise can seem daunting. For us clinicians, more is good, but it is helpful to tell the patient that even 15 minutes of exercise five times a week can have meaningful effects.
People can reach that number by incorporating a little more activity into their daily lives.For example, parking one block away from work and taking the stairs instead of the elevator. A person with a desk-based job can set notifications so he can get up from his chair several times a day, turning some video conferences into walk-in calls.
Of course, those who are able to do more exercise should not limit themselves to just 75 minutes. minutes, the added effect is proportionally less).
For those looking to expand their exercise regimen beyond walking, check out The Post’s excellent Well+Being section. I especially liked this article on the importance of strength training (which I recently incorporated into my exercise plan) and another with a video. In this article, he presents five cardio exercises that you can do anywhere without needing gym equipment.
My main point about exercise is that some is better than nothing. This is one area where perfection should not be the enemy of good. Starting somewhere makes a difference.
Also, remember that increased physical activity isn’t just good for your physical health. It also helps improve mental health.
What kind of exercise questions do you have? Send them through the submission form. I read all your entries and will cover more on this topic in the coming weeks.
Newsletter subscribers are invited to submit questions to Dr. Wen. Not a subscriber yet? Click here to sign up.
“My husband (age 67), my son (age 25) and myself (age 66) all received the first two Pfizer vaccines plus one booster. All three were due to get bivalent boosters at the beginning of November, but instead all fell ill with covid. Four months after infection, still on bivalent boosters I am wondering if it is necessary.” — Nancy, Virginia
You are probably still well protected because you have hybrid immunity from your recent infection and vaccination.
At this time, a second bivalent booster has not yet been approved, but the Food and Drug Administration is considering offering additional shots to people over the age of 65 and those with compromised immune systems in the coming weeks. As I wrote, this is the right decision.
Once federal regulators make a decision, you and your husband may consider getting a bivalent booster as your age increases your risk of serious consequences. This is not urgent as you are still well protected. You can wait.
“I have committed to a Rhine cruise with my husband. We are both over 70, hypertensive and slightly obese. Would it be advisable for elderly people eligible for Paxlovid to have a prescription on hand in case they test positive for COVID-19 while traveling abroad?” — Eiko from California
I think this is reasonable and recommended. Some health care providers may issue a prescription “just in case”. In that case, you’ll need to fill out a prescription and take her Paxlovid with you on your travels. This is especially important if you are going to areas where this antiviral may not be readily available (for example, if you are on a cruise that does not dock every day).
If your doctor doesn’t issue a prescription, find options for getting Paxlovid at your destination. Can I go to an urgent care clinic and get a test and a prescription on the same day? Planning ahead gives you peace of mind and ensures you get the care you need.
“You wrote before Marburg virusWhat’s the latest news? Should we in the US still worry? “ — Roy from North Carolina
There are currently two regions with active Marburg outbreaks. One is Equatorial Guinea in West Africa, with at least nine confirmed cases. A second outbreak has been confirmed in East Africa. Tanzaniarecently identified the first case of this viral hemorrhagic fever.
Marburg is highly lethal, with an estimated fatality rate of up to 88%, but is transmitted by direct contact rather than as an airborne pathogen. Outbreaks have occurred before and have been successfully contained. There is still no vaccine or specific treatment for this disease.
The CDC is Level 2 alert This means that people going to areas where Marburg is endemic should take increased precautions, such as avoiding contact with sick people and avoiding going to health facilities for non-urgent matters. This is not yet a problem for people in the United States, but it requires continued careful monitoring and rapid development of treatments.
The Post has also compiled Q&A from previous newsletters.you can read them here.
modeling studies in JAMA Health Forum predicted that 78% of covid-19 cases that ultimately required hospitalization were detected within 5 days of onset of symptoms for which the patient was eligible for the antiviral drug paxlovid. However, only 5% of eligible infected patients received the drug. If paxlovid intake was increased to her 80% of eligible individuals, there would be a 42% reduction in hospitalization and a 51% reduction in mortality. This model shows that focusing on care can reduce the burden on hospitals and save lives.
a CDC report Nearly half of children under the age of 5 do not eat vegetables every day, and almost a third do not eat fruit every day. However, 57% of children drank at least one sugary drink during the week. The analysis included state-by-state variability. Nearly 80% of her children in Mississippi had at least one sugary drink in the previous week, compared to fewer than 40% of her in Maine.
i enjoyed this Audio tribute to The New England Journal of Medicine To Anthony S. Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Featuring voices from other eminent scientists, advocates, and even Fauci’s wife, this series of interviews provides a unique and personal account of the life and career of an inspiring physician, eminent researcher, and dedicated public servant. provide a perspective.
