Exercise and COVID
Since having attended Dr. John Ratey’s keynote presentation at the International ADHD Conference, I have been jazzed about exercise. It has been a lot easier to get out of bed and out the door for a run in the neighborhood or on the track. I can stay on my yoga mat longer and go deeper. I can enjoy my weekend bike rides and skate jams with even more fervor. I have seen the scientific evidence that I can improve my executive function skills and my emotional regulation just by moving my body.
However, I must admit, Dr. Ratey blew me out of the water with his last few slides on how exercise prevents the Covid virus. In summary:
Exercise reduces levels of chronic inflammation.
Exercise boosts the immune response.
Exercise balances the angiotensis system, which prevents Covid from binding.
Exercise boosts EcSOP, extracellular superoxide dismutase, an antioxidant increased to protect lung and kidney tissue.
Exercise boosts Interferon, a naturally occurring virus killer in the body.
Why has this not been advertised and shared across all media platforms? Why are so many people cowering indoors rather than safely exercising outdoors? Why are so many people sheltering in place while they wait for a vaccine when prevention is a choice they can make right now? Of course, I understand that not every single person is physically capable of exercise. But for most people, exercise is a choice. And if we were all armed with the complete facts about the benefits of exercise to prevent Covid, then perhaps more people would make more informed choices.
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