One possible solution: moving those group workout classes indoors, suggest infectious disease specialists. Three experts tell TODAY that while no physical activity is 100 percent safe, outdoor physical workouts can substantially reduce risk for developing infectious diseases.
“Group gym classes are good for increasing the exercise rate among group members,” says health and safety specialist Dr. James Johnson of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock. But the fact remains that some physical activities require exposure to potentially contaminated environments such as schools or parks.
In a study on outdoor activities and infectious diseases, Johnson and his colleagues found that the amount of exposure to contaminated surfaces had significant consequences. Exposure to an area where a person could contract an illness was associated with three times more risk than in an area where a person could not. Johnson says that it is not just exposure to contaminated surfaces that increase the risk, but the time that the person spends in the environment. An individual’s time spent indoors and outside may be increased by several hours after a virus has been contracted.
A common misconception is that exposure to contaminated surfaces does not increase the risk of acquiring an illness from outdoor activities, but Johnson says there is a possibility. “The fact is that some surfaces might be more likely than others to collect and retain the virus,” he says. “So even with a minimal amount of contact, you could be exposed to the virus.
In other words, if an infected individual is present during an outdoor activity, they may not necessarily spread the infection to another person or animal. However, if an infected individual were to engage in outdoor activity for extended periods of time, such as for a few days, their body would become accustomed to the environment and the virus. They may begin to show signs of an illness even after they have left the environment and their body begins to fight off any remaining infection. For these reasons, experts advise individuals to engage in physical activities in or near areas where they may come into contact with contaminated surfaces.
When an individual engages in outdoor activities, they should be aware of potential health issues that may arise. For example, children can suffer from a condition called shingles, which causes extreme pain, fever, and blisters on the face. These blisters can be transferred to other parts of the body through direct contact. or through skin-to-skin contact with another person infected with the condition. The condition is a common condition in the United States and is relatively rare in other countries.
In a case such as shingles, an infected person who engages in an outdoor program should wear protective gear such as a face shield or coverings to avoid being exposed to contaminated surfaces. If the patient is at high risk, they should also wear gloves to prevent the transfer of the virus, as well as long-sleeved shirts, disposable plastic gloves, goggles, and masks.
The important thing to remember is that the immune system can take a beating when an individual is physically active. This means that an individual may become susceptible to infections and illness, even when they are not working out. By staying away from places where they have prolonged exposure to contaminated surfaces and remaining alert and aware of their surroundings, individuals can help to minimize risk while still maintaining a healthy immune system.
Outdoor activities are not only an enjoyable pastime for most people, but they are also great way to get exercise. Some of the best forms of exercise include hiking, running, jogging, biking, or playing outdoor sports such as tennis or running around in the neighborhood.
If outdoor activities are not an option, there are other things that can be done at home that provide similar cardiovascular workouts. Walking, swimming, and bicycling are three types of cardio-vascular exercises that are good for building endurance and muscle strength. Many people who engage in physical activities at home prefer to get fit without going outside and can find many options that will help them accomplish this goal.
With the right fitness plan and simple tips for protecting yourself, you can stay healthy while still enjoying the outdoors. If an outdoor workout is not an option, it is important to take precautions before, during and after activities to make sure you do not contract diseases that can cause illnesses and even death.
Welcome to my blog about home and family. This blog is a place where I will share my thoughts, ideas, and experiences related to these important topics. I am a stay-at-home mom with two young children. I hope you enjoy reading it! and may find some helpful tips and ideas that will make your home and family life even better!
