Medical Endorsement of Exercise and Lifestyle Management
Prior to COVID-19, the U.S. was already facing epidemics in obesity and chronic disease. Six in 10 Americans have at least one chronic disease, and four in 10 have two or more. Exercise has always been vital to health and well-being and to reversing these existing epidemics. It is even more so now, as many physical inactivity-related comorbidities are risk factors for developing severe COVID-19 illness.
In addition to physical health, COVID-19 has had a severe impact on mental health. Depression rates, suicidal ideation (especially among young adults), drug use and overdose have all increased during the pandemic.
Health and fitness clubs are vital, essential and safe. Data consistently shows that health clubs are not primary drivers of COVID-19 transmission in the community, an assertion supported by industry analysis, state contact tracing, and published research. Social distancing, adequate ventilation, and cleaning are key strategies to reducing the airborne transmission of COVID-19 that are already in place in health clubs across the U.S. These clubs provide a place for communities to work on their physical and mental health and experience much-needed socialization in a safe, controlled environment.
The winter months often come with seasonal depression and a decline in outdoor physical activity, which added to the ongoing pandemic could lead to greater stress, depression, anxiety, and social isolation. The safe, controlled opportunity for stress relief and socialization that health clubs provide, is a vital component of your physical and mental health.
You are making a wise decision by making your physical and mental health a priority. Keep up the good work!
