Brook is committed to bringing you up-to-date and accurate info about COVID-19. Brook Health Director Heather King interviewed Dr. Irl Hirsch (virtually of course!) to answer some common questions and concerns. In the third part of this interview series, Dr. Hirsch discusses some precautions to take when doing physical activity at home.
Irl Hirsch, MD, Endocrinologist and Professor at University of Washington, and Head of Brook’s Medical Advisory Board
That really is the big question now, and unfortunately, there is no clear answer. We do know that a vaccine is being worked on, but vaccines are never 100% effective, and they can have side effects. Other than exposure or a vaccine, there’s no way So, it’s unclear to everyone how long this current scenario will continue.
Interestingly, now that the weather is getting nicer, people are becoming more active. Some are heading outside to be active, and some are starting an online activity program or workout app, many of which are being shared by friends and family right now. As a result, we are seeing a lot more physical injuries right now, such as knee, hip, and back injuries, especially in middle-aged to older people. We are even seeing this as a result of spring cleaning right now!
If people move too quickly into a new routine, or even with cleaning out their basement, they are more likely to become injured. Some of these injuries may require them to seek medical care at a clinic or hospital, which, of course, puts them at greater risk of exposure to the virus. As people are cooped up for longer, we are seeing more people presenting with these types of injuries, and that is worrisome.
There are some good workout apps available, but few of these take into account age, weight, and co-morbidities of participants. Virtual trainers are available, however, and these can be a great option if you are an older individual, have not been previously active, and/or have risk factors – obesity, physical concerns, such as arthritis or pre-existing muscle or joint pain, etc. A trainer will be able to take these factors into account when designing an activity routine for you.
Absolutely. The most important issue here, in addition to avoiding injury, is to check blood sugar more frequently when increasing or changing activity. This is especially true if someone is on insulin or a sulfonylurea, both of which can cause low blood sugars. You might not think a new activity is more taxing than something you used to do, but you can’t know without checking your sugar before and after exercise, and even during, if lows are a concern for you.
If you are on insulin and check your blood sugar multiple times a day, talk to your provider and health insurer about your eligibility for a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). This may be covered by your insurance, and will make it easier for you to get frequent blood sugar readings without all the finger pricks.
Yes. And CGMs are very helpful for closely monitoring blood sugar, as well as being easy to use for most people.
That’s great. We should all be leaning on our support systems now.
You are most welcome. Stay safe!
Responses were edited for length and clarity.
We understand that there’s a lot of information and, unfortunately, misinformation going around right now. Google and Facebook can be a scary place. Brook’s medical board and team of health experts are working to sift through the information to bring you what’s pertinent, important, and true.
Reach out to our Health Coaches any day of the week for questions or support.
If you feel like you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, stay home, be sure to call your healthcare provider and follow protocols established by the CDC or World Health Organization.
on April 12th, 2020. Heather is a Certified Diabetes Educator, has been a Registered Dietitian for over 12 years and is Brook's Health Director.
113 Cherry St
PMB 30466
Seattle, Washington 98104