Lucimey Lima Perez
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to experience radical changes in daily habits or to incorporate negative behaviors for comprehensive well-being. All this affected by physical distance, preventive measures (hand washing, use of face masks) and isolation. Grounded and necessary elements in the prevention of contagion. Nothing that we do not know today and that we are really living. A virus has curtailed our freedom of movement and has led to an increase in sedentary habits.
A sedentary lifestyle is related to a decrease in life expectancy; interference in the prevention of diseases, such as cardiovascular and metabolic; decreased immune response against infections; alterations in weight control; affectation of mental health (stress reaction, anxiety, depression). However, even aware of all these aspects, the overwhelming wave of inactivity makes the most vulnerable, particularly adolescents, fall. Although taking care of one’s health depends on oneself, the closure of gyms and sports centers is added, which hinders activities and can become an excuse to justify mummification.
People who work from home or those young people who have tasks online can start the day with moderate exercises. Experts recommend stretching when you wake up. Many find exercise videos helpful and make them feel supported. In addition, the programming of the day is essential for the maintenance of physical and mental health, with levels of reasoned flexibility.
What not to do: -watch TV for long hours, -eat at the wrong time and in excess, -use the cell phone continuously, -sleep during the day, -alleviate the situation by clouding the brain with harmful substances, -isolate yourself within isolation. The latter frequently occurs in family groups that do not have an adequate and sufficient level of communication and interaction.
Although substance use includes a previous history, sedentary lifestyle and isolation are stimulants for drug abuse of various kinds. Some studies indicate that there is a decrease of 60 to 70% in tobacco consumption (Europe, Americas, Oceania), in addition to the decrease in physical exercise, with a maximum after 6 months of confinement in a pandemic. Other studies point out the decrease in the use of cigarettes by up to 50%, while the consumption of alcohol and cannabis is maintained, started or increased. There is no explanation for these selective behaviors, but there is statistical evidence in varied populations.
There are two strategies to maintain physical activity and preserve mental health: i) online teaching organized by educational centers or by adults in the family environment; ii) intrinsic motivation in those young people who have cultivated the practice of physical exercise and healthy nutritional habits/substances, which must be maintained during forced confinement.
Obviously, there are strata favored by access to telehealth programs. Therefore, the consequences of the pandemic in disadvantaged socio-economic strata will probably be devastating. Public organizations and institutions have a high responsibility in this regard and the citizen faces the need to claim their rights. These aspects are unfortunately very unfair.
Demarest highlights that there is a hidden epidemic in the pandemic, referring to substance abuse and the risk of overdose in adolescents. This constitutes an alarming danger for children and an alert for the adult environment to focus on education/guidance.
Despite all the tremendous vicissitudes that accompany the COVID-19 pandemic around the world, with immense diversity in cultural characteristics and in the conduct of authorities, quarantines can be a fabulous learning benefit for performance in the present and when all this history is transformed.
Consulted: DE Conroy, BW Chaffee, K Demarest, A Goddard, C Ingoglia, SL Pagoto.