Life-Saving Benefits of Walking - How Walking Keeps You Healthy
As you’ll read in this post, older adults with underlying health issues are at the greatest risk of getting sick from the coronavirus. Unfortunately, if you are currently in ill health this isn’t good news for you.
With the serious threat of coronavirus (COVID-19), it’s now more important than ever to get into and stay in good physical condition! Walking for Health and Fitness has focused on walking as a way to do just that. Walking is the easiest way to get in shape and stay in shape. That’s the tagline of my site! It’s important at any age but now we know this is especially important for older adults (65+).
Vitamin D essential for COVID-19 protection — Updated 8/23/20
Vitamin D may ward of COVID-19. A new study in Aging Clinical and Experimental Research found that vitamin D may ward off COVID-19. Investigators compared virus cases in different countries with vitamin D levels of the residents.
Countries with the highest average levels of Vitamin D had up to 91% fewer reported cases than those with the lowest averages. The reason: D helps control the release of immunity-hampering molecules that viruses cling on to.
To get the benefit, spend 15 minutes in the sun without sunscreen three times a week, or take 2,000 IU of D-3 daily. Walking is a great way to get outdoors and soak in the sunshine.
Updated CDC Information: Coronavirus (COVID-19) 7/31/20:
The Behavior of the Covid-19 Virus
*Disclaimer: I received this information from a medical professional. I cannot verify that everything here is the absolute best advice but… it seems to be comon sense.
Based on autopsies carried out on Covid-19 victims, Chinese medical teams now understands the behavior of the Covid-19 virus. The virus obstructs respiratory pathways with thick mucus that solidifies and blocks airways and lungs.
The airways must be unblocked before treatment can take effect… this takes a number of days.
Drinks lots of hot liquids -Coffee, soups, teas, warm water
In addition: Take a sip of warm water every 20 minutes. This keeps your mouth moist and washes any of the virus that has entered your mouth into your stomach where gastric juices neutralize it before it gets to the lungs
Gargle with and anti-septic and warm water every day.
Salt
Vinegar
Lemon
The virus attaches itself to hair and clothes
Any detergent or soap kills it
You should shower or bathe when you get in from the street
Avoid sitting down anywhere in your house when first getting in from outdoors
Hang your clothes in direct sunlight which also neutralizes the virus
Wash metallic surfaces carefully
The virus can last up to 9 days.
Be vigilant about touching handrails and door handles, etc.
Clean these surfaces regularly within your own home
Don’t smoke
Wash your hands every 20-minutes with any soap that foams
Eat fruits and vegetables.
Elevate your zinc levels along with your levels of vitamin C
Animals do not spread the virus… it’s a person to person transmission
Avoid the common flu (which weakens your system)
Avoid eating and drinking cold things
If you feel a sore throat coming on, attack it in every way with the above methods
The virus enters the system this way and remains for 3-4 day in the throat before it passes to the lungs.
Sip warm water every 20 min. keep mouth moist and washes virus into stomach where acids destroy the virus
Coronavirus Facts and How Walking Keeps You Healthy
Two new studies show that staying active is the best way for older adults to live longer and stay happy, healthy well into their advanced years. The best part of the study is that all you need to do is be moderately physically active for a minimum of 150 minutes each week.
“Finding a way to physically move more in an activity that suits your capabilities and is pleasurable is extremely important for all people, and especially for older people who may have risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Physical activities such as brisk walking can help manage high blood pressure and high cholesterol, improve glucose control among many benefits,” explains Barry A. Franklin, a professor of internal medicine at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine in Rochester, Michigan, in a release by the American Heart Association.
Taking more steps per day is easily achievable and the benefits, given the current situation, could literally be lifesaving.
Coronavirus Facts and How Walking Keeps You Healthy Image: Arek Socha
This is the latest coronavirus information obtained from the CDC’s website:
What is the novel coronavirus?
A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.
A diagnosis with coronavirus 229E, NL63, OC43, or HKU1 is not the same as a COVID-19 diagnosis. Patients with COVID-19 will be evaluated and cared for differently than patients with common coronavirus diagnosis.
Who is at Risk of Catching the Coronavirus?
Early information out of China, where COVID-19 first started, shows that some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness. This includes:
Older adults
People who have serious chronic medical conditions like:
Heart disease
Diabetes
Lung disease
If a COVID-19 outbreak happens in your community, it could last for a long time. (An outbreak is when a large number of people suddenly get sick.) Depending on how severe the outbreak is, public health officials may recommend community actions to reduce people’s risk of being exposed to COVID-19. These actions can slow the spread and reduce the impact of disease.
If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem, it is extra important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease.
By taken the actions listed in the CDC guidelines, you can avoid catching and spreading the coronavirus.
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue
Stay home when you are sick
Seek medical attention if you have the Symptoms of COVID-19:
Fever
Cough
Shortness of Breath
Please use the utmost caution in dealing with this health crisis. As always, it’s good to get plenty of rest, eat nutritious foods, drink water to stay hydrated, and exercise. Keep these coronavirus facts handy and take precautions to prevent the spread of this virus.
Stay safe,
Frank Ring
Author: Walking for Health and Fitness, and Fitness Walking and Bodyweight Exercises, and my latest book Walking Inspiration.
Contact Frank at Frank@walkingforhealthandfitness.com
