We’ve got your back: Five things to know about your spine
JUN 27, 2022Five interesting facts from St. Joseph Health that you should know about your spine.
Read More Additional information about 5 things to know about your spine | St. Joseph HealthBecause the situation surrounding COVID-19 is constantly evolving, some information may not be up to date. Stay informed by following information from your local officials and by visiting the CDC website.
As the COVID-19 pandemic remains a major public health concern, people are looking for ways to prevent the spread and return to some of their typical activities safely. While there’s a decreased risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 outdoors, due to the larger area for virus particles to disperse and the ability to maintain your distance, is it safe to exercise outside without a mask, especially if you’re with other people?
To determine if a mask is necessary, you must consider where, when, and how you will be working out. Check out our tips based on:
If you’re running in a park full of other runners, is the typical six feet a large enough distance to maintain? Some researchers argue that it isn’t. After extensive scientific modeling, they determined that if you are directly behind another person exercising (or at a diagonal if it’s windy), you are in their slip-stream. This means you are essentially traveling through clouds of their breath and can thus be exposed to any virus particles traveling in the air. Increasing the distance between yourself and the other person can give these particles time to disperse. They recommend maintaining a distance of 15 feet when walking behind someone, 30 feet when running or gently biking, and 60 feet for fast biking.
Because the mask filters the air you are breathing, it also reduces the amount you take in with each breath. If you’re a beginner athlete wearing a mask, take your exercise low and slow. If you’re more experienced, recognize that you probably won’t be able to do as many reps or travel the same distance as normal. The most important thing to do while wearing a mask is to pay attention to how you feel. If you begin to feel lightheaded, dizzy, numb, or experience shortness of breath, stop working out immediately and take time to breathe deeply. If you have a respiratory condition such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it may be dangerous to work out while wearing a mask, so pick a location where you can maintain more than enough distance from others.
If you’re looking for safe ways to get moving, schedule a virtual visit with your St. Joseph and Texas A&M Health Network primary care physician. They can advise you on what type of exercises would work for you, as well as ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Sources:
Medium | Belgian-Dutch Study: Why in times of COVID-19 you should not walk/run/bike close behind each other.
Medium | Why in times of COVID-19 you should not walk/run/bike close behind each other — Follow Up with Q&A by the investigators.
CNET | Exercising with a face mask: The do's and don'ts
Today | Should you wear a mask to exercise outside? Experts say sometimes — here's why
The New York Times | Exercising Outdoors With a Face Mask
Forbes | 10 Tips On How To Run Safely With COVID-19 Coronavirus Spreading
Five interesting facts from St. Joseph Health that you should know about your spine.
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