widespread misconception | Wellness Secrets of a SuperAger

“Curiouser and curiouser,” cried Alice.

A novel new study suggests that the behavior public officials are now mandating or recommending unequivocally to slow the spread of surging COVID-19–wearing a face covering–should come with a caveat. If not accompanied by proper public education, the practice could lead to more infections.

The finding is part of an unique study, published in JMIR Public Health and Surveillance, that was conducted by a team of health economists and public health faculty at the University of Vermont’s Larner College of Medicine in partnership with public health officials for the state of Vermont.

The study combines survey data gathered from adults living in northwestern Vermont with test results that showed whether a subset of them had contracted COVID-19, a dual research approach that few COVID studies have employed. By correlating the two data sets, researchers were able to determine what behaviors and circumstances increased respondents’ risk of becoming sick.

Pages: 1 2

I think that probably the most widespread misconception about being healthy in general and losing weight in particular is that exercise is optional. It isn’t. As I wrote in an earlier post, you need to Move ya body. A skinny body with no muscle tone is not a healthy body. Also, and most importantly, exercise excites important activity in the brain. In a lot of ways the brain benefits as much as the body from exercise. Check out Important facts about your brain (and exercise)

Following is an excerpt from my Page – How to lose weight (and keep it off)

You need to exercise. Exercise is your two-edged sword. You do it to work your muscles and remain in top physical and mental condition. AND, you can do it to burn calories and help in weight management.

According to the U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services:
Adults 18 to 64 should get: 2.5 hours/wk of moderate intensity exercise. OR 1.25 hours a week of vigorous aerobic physical activity . Or Some combination of the above – equivalent episodes of at least 10 minutes spread throughout the week.

Be careful using free weights. Seniors: If you weigh 150 pounds, you should not exercise with more than 60 pounds of weights because as you age, the spinal discs are not as flexible and the risk of a back injury increases. Check out my post on How Much Should You Lift? here.

Have a lovely day!

Tony