As temperatures rise and stay-at-home orders lift, more and more of us will be venturing outside for walks, runs, hikes, beach cruises, and outdoor activity of all kinds. We’ve served our time indoors, so to speak, and fresh air and exercise seems like just what the doctors ordered, right? Not exactly. Health experts warn against one common mistake that people will make in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. What is it?
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Not Warming Up
As many of us engage in physical activities for the first time after weeks of confinement and without the supervision and guidance of trainers and instructors, one big risk is injuring ourselves.
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So, what should you do? "Stretching, easing into activity (walking before jogging, for example), and otherwise warming up can keep you from reaching for the muscle pain relief the next day," Amin advises.
"One thing many people come to us for is relief for aches and pains, sore muscles, and the like," health expert Vinay Amin of Eu Natural warns. "These are caused by not properly warming up before engaging in physical activity."
And it's not just activities like endurance activities like running that can cause harm. "Even a game of disc golf or fetch with Fido can strain cold, unready, underused muscles--especially after weeks or months of confinement like we've seen with COVID-19."
Additionally, other risks exist as well, Enchanta Jenkins, MD, MHA of Ellehcal OB/GYN tells us:
Not wearing a mask during outside activities where other people will likely be there (such as hiking trails).
Allowing more guests to come to your house and not asking them if they are sick, or not requiring that they wear masks.
Failing to wash your hands during and after outside events and at home.
Resuming close contact (less than 6 feet apart) or hugging others.
Stay safe out there!
