Living in a pandemic equates to a lot of uncertainties; not knowing what lies ahead provokes fear as the world continues to combat the threats posed by the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19). Risks are always present in different aspects of people’s lives¾education, economy, safety, and especially, health. Norms and traditions were shifted into the “new normal” standard set by the virus. But as people stayed at home for several months, detrimental effects on people’s health became noticeable.
As COVID-19 swept the world with its simultaneous lockdowns, it was then found out that the cases of obesity rose as people changed their lifestyle. New eating habits, possibly stress-related, were significantly linked to the pandemic. In a study conducted by Mattioli et. al., (2020) which emphasized that there was a rise in obesity cases since March 2020¾and will continue to intensify as the pandemic lengthens.
Evidently, the Philippines, being one of the developing countries in the world who immediately imposed Enhanced Community Quarantine to prevent the spread of the virus, is distressed by such studies, knowing for s fact that obesity is already a known case in the country. In a survey by the Philippine Statistics Authority in 2018 which is focused on Health and Nutrition of Women and Men in the Philippines, obesity has cases as high as 25.5% in women and 23.9% in men. This goes to show that there is a strong need for physical activities at home to counter the collateral effects of the pandemic.
Because of the current situation, physical fitness was set aside as gyms and other outdoor activities were restricted which became a logical reason for most people. Forgetting the fact that the body is in dire need of physical activities which provides better flow for oxygen and nutrients, to have efficient cardiovascular system, and to be more energized to tackle different chores as pointed out by Mayo Clinic in their website Healthy Lifestyle Fitness. Moreover, physical fitness is also important to keep the immune system well enough to fight any virus that may infect your body.
Undeniably, physical fitness is just as important as combatting the threats posed by the virus. Ironic as it may seem, but it is needed now more than ever despite the constraints in the current situation. If we aim to be safe from the virus, let us aspire to be safer from the collateral effects of the pandemic that seems to be neglected by most people. Be in the loop for a healthier lifestyle through physical fitness and balanced diet. Most things may seem uncertain nowadays, but one thing is for sure¾a healthier you mean lesser chance to be infected.
References:
Mattioli et. al., (2020). Obesity Risk During Collective Quarantine for the COVID-19 Epidemic. US National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda MD, 20894 USA. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi. nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7282788/
Mayo Clinic. Healthy Lifestyle Fitness: Seven benefits of Regular Physical Activity. 1998-2021 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389
Philippine Statistics Authority. 2018 Expanded National Nutrition Survey Prevalence Rate. Control No. 20-SSSS04. Retrieved from: https://psa.gov.ph/system/files/2020%20Health %20and%20Nutrition%20Infographics%20for%20Women%20and%20Men.pdf?width=950&height=700&iframe=true
By: Precious Lagrisola Destreza| Naparing, Dinalupihan, Bataan
