PORTLAND, Oregon (June 2, 2021): Want another great reason to get active outside this summer? A study published in April by the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research shows exercise can reduce your risk of severe COVID-19.
Data from nearly 50,000 people with COVID-19 suggested that regular physical activity provided strong protection from hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, and death. Even exercising inconsistently lowered the odds for severe COVID-19 outcomes when compared to people who were not active at all.
“We know that being active has many physical and mental health benefits,” said Dr. Suzanne Deschamps, family medicine physician with Kaiser Permanente Northwest. “Kaiser Permanente’s motivation with this research is to keep people healthy, and this study truly shows how important that is during this pandemic and beyond. People who regularly exercise had the best chance of beating COVID-19, while people who were inactive did much worse.”
The results of the study show inactivity is strongly associated with poor COVID-19 outcomes. Being consistently inactive more than doubled the odds of hospitalization compared with being consistently active. Even a basic recommended level of exercise, such as walking 30 minutes a day five days a week, is enough to help your body to fight off a variety of disease, including COVID-19.
“With more people getting vaccinated and warmer weather, there are many opportunities to be active outdoors in Oregon this summer,” said Dr. Deschamps. “Go on a run, a bike ride, a hike, whatever you enjoy. In addition to getting vaccinated, regular exercise is one of the best ways to protect yourself from being hospitalized with COVID-19, and improve your body, mind and spirit.”
Interviews available:
Dr. Suzanne Deschamps is available for Zoom or phone interviews Thursday, June 3 between 9-11 a.m. and 2-4 p.m.
More information about the study:
https://about.kaiserpermanente.org/our-story/health-research/news/physical-activity-may-reduce-risk-of-poor-covid-19-outcomes
ABOUT KAISER PERMANENTE
For 75 years, Kaiser Permanente has been committed to shaping the future of health and health care — and helping our members, patients, and communities experience more healthy years. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Since July 21, 1945, Kaiser Permanente’s mission has been to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.4 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health.
For more information, please visit: about.kaiserpermanente.org