Coronavirus affects us all...
Covid-19 has changed our world in 2020 in unprecedented ways. No one expected to be quarantined, to have business shut down, to have travel limited, and to have to maintain social distancing. Doctors offices were running on limited hours and personnel, and patients were avoiding the hospital. While we need to change in order to be safe, this could lead to some changes in your health. Covid-19 has forced people to stay home, and there has even been concern about venturing outside for a walk. While we honor our politicians and lawmakers, we can take simple steps to prevent the degradation of our physical and mental health during this time. First, call your doctor if you have concerns about your health. The practice of medicine is changing and telemedicine is more available than in the past. Second, from the perspective of Orthopaedics, which involves your joints, bones and muscles, it is important that you do not become deconditioned. There are simple exercises that can be found online and performed in the house to prevent your muscles from becoming weak and your bones from becoming brittle. The elderly are particularly at more risk. Performing in-home exercises will prevent weight gain, maintain muscle tone and strength, and will allow you to be able to get off the couch, rise from a chair, or walk up and down the stairs more easily. This can help those who currently have or are at risk of getting osteoporosis, and can help prevent heart disease. Also, walking is particularly important to add to your exercise regime, and can be a key step in keeping you healthy. Finally, some patients are succumbing to their medical problems out of fear of going to the hospital or to their doctor’s office. Do not be afraid to call your doctor to develop a plan for your treatment if needed.