The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic represents one of the greatest threats to population health in more than a century. As of January 2023, >6.7 million deaths globally were attributed to COVID-19. As new mutations evolve, it is apparent that the virus will not be eliminated soon and that strategies for managing life with COVID-19 are needed.1A recent American Journal of Preventive Medicine study shows that exercise and exercise intensity have a strong impact on lowering COVID-19−related mortality and hospitalization.2Consequently, this study supports the assertion that engaging in active lifestyles could boost the immune system response and help to maintain physical and mental well-being, leading to an improvement in overall quality of life.3Physical inactivity is a major public health problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, physical inactivity costs for health care are $17 billion annually. Only about half of Americans meet physical activity guidelines, with younger people doing better than older people and men getting a bit more exercise than women. Common exercise barriers for women are lack of time, lack of motivation, low income, perceptions of safety, body image, and parenting demands.The clinical and public health importance of this study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine is significant and incentivizes the necessity to reduce physical inactivity. Effective interventions to address the causes of physical inactivity and shift cultural and social norms to adopt regular physical activity are necessary.
Source: Potential of Exercise as a COVID-19 Prevention Strategy – American Journal of Preventive Medicine