Physical Activities and Proper Diet Amidst the Pandemic

Gemma M. De Castro

Since young students had to stay at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they have been sitting more than they usually did. Young students have less physical exercises now, and tend to eat less nutritious food.

But, the World Health Organization (WHO) Be Active campaign aims to help everyone, including young students, to do regular physical activities that can benefit both the body and mind.

An advice from WHO said just taking a short break from sitting, by doing 3-4 minutes of light intensity physical movement, such as walking or stretching, will help ease muscles and improve blood circulation and muscle activity.

These kinds of physical activities can also reduce high blood pressure, help manage weight and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and various cancers - all conditions that can increase susceptibility to COVID-19.

Meanwhile, eating healthy food is very important during the pandemic. Because what we eat and drink can affect our body’s ability to prevent, fight and recover from infections.

Thus, WHO suggests that we eat a variety of food, including fruits and vegetables; cut back on salt; limit sugar intake; eat moderate amounts of fats and oils; and avoid harmful alcohol use.

If we can try to follow WHO’s advice, we can get through this pandemic just fine.

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The author is Teacher I at Bro. Andrew Gonzales Technical High School