In the wake of Covid-19/Coronavirus, I believe that now is a good time to discuss a recent journal article by Hamer et al. in Preventive Medicine associating lifestyle variables and infectious disease mortality.
The results of this study are likely to be viewed as “common sense,” but it is important that we have research to validate these claims.
In this study of close to 100,000 adults, it was found that having a physically active lifestyle was associated with a decreased risk of mortality with infectious disease. Active lifestyle being defined as at least 150 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous activity.
This study also found that smokers and ex-smokers have an increased risk of mortality with infectious disease in comparison to those that have never smoked. What does this mean for you? That if you have ever smoked, especially heavy smoking (greater than 20 cigarettes per day), now may be a good time to revisit that lifestyle choice.
Lastly, having a normal weight, not under weight or overweight, gives you a decreased risk of infectious disease mortality.
Here Are Three Of The Most Critical Take Home Points To Staying Healthy
- Begin and/or stay physically active with a goal of 150 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous physical activity. A moderate activity example would be brisk walking. Vigorous activity could be running or fast cycling. Anything that gets your heart rate up.
- No smoking. If you're hooked, there has never been a better time to quit than today.
- Make healthy lifestyle choices with your diet, and take this extra time at home to begin shedding those extra pounds.
It is my commitment to keep Greenville healthy and active. We are working hard to make this a reality.
Thanks for doing your part too.
Sincerely,
Daniel Edwards, DC
