Changing the sedentary life is up to us!

Covid-19 virus has created significant changes in the lives of every individual living in the society. Coronavirus, which is transmitted through the respiratory tract, directly or indirectly prepares the ground for not only respiratory system diseases, but also many diseases in which the musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular system and nervous system is affected. The quarantine processes implemented in every corner of the world have radically affected everyone's lifestyles. Various social isolation methods such as not leaving the house unnecessarily, working from home, not getting in contact with many people etc. have become an inevitable part of our lives. Our lives that have become ‘more inactive’ than normal due to technological innovations that have developed in the past years, now has turned into an ‘inactive lifestyle’ during the pandemic process. Today, this problem is considered as a ‘public health’ problem. However, it should not be forgotten that, it is in our hands to improve or even change this lifestyle.
 
It has been proven that regular physical activities and exercise programs for healthy individuals have positive effects on both various body systems and psychological health status. When creating an exercise program; it should be specific for the individual, it should be prepared by considering the age, height, weight and other health-related physical parameters of the person and applied accordingly. Along with these, individuals with chronic diseases should definitely apply these exercise programs in consultation with their health providers. If the hobbies, habits and things that the person likes to do are taken into consideration while preparing these programs, it is easier for the individual to adapt and maintain an active lifestyle. For healthy individuals, it has been proven in studies that doing regular moderate intensity (50-70% of the highest heart rate) aerobic exercises, support the immune system. Aerobic exercises are activities that improve the endurance of the cardiovascular system such as walking, running, swimming or cycling. It can be done 3 to 5 days a week and for 30-60 minutes. In addition, exercises that provide strength and flexibility can be added to the exercise prescription. Such exercises are very suitable for doing at home and can be applied 2 to 4 days a week as 8 to 12 repetitions for strengthening exercises and 30seconds and 10 sets for stretching exercises. It is important to prefer exercises which involves large muscle groups. By this way, we can ensure that individuals remain physically active during staying at home. In addition, household dishes, sweeping, wiping or gardening; which are considered as physical activities, are activities that can be easily preferred at home.
 
The definition of health was as follows by the WHO in 1948: not merely the absence of disease or infirmity; it is a state of physical, social and spiritual well-being. The benefits of being active in order to achieve these welfare states should not be overlooked. It is necessary for each of us to make this active lifestyle a habit in order to prevent or easily overcome the risks of Covid-19 infection. This way, healthier days will be waiting for us as a society and even as all of the world population.
 
 
Ress. Asst. Ayşem Ecem Özdemir