Comorbidities, Covid and the New Work Order. It's Never Too Late to Make Change for the Better.
Updated: Jun 9
Now that the threat of Covid 19 has diminished we are still left with the comorbidities. A well-used, catch-all word that has disappeared from our conversations. Should we be concerned, are they still relevant to our health in the immediate of long-term future?
“Many researchers have noted the higher mortality rate of COVID-19 infections in subjects with comorbidities such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and cancer. Further predisposing conditions are autoimmune diseases, chronic kidney disease, chronic lung diseases like asthma, neurological conditions like dementia, liver diseases, solid organ transplant, chronic respiratory disease, Down syndrome, and alcohol consumption.” Bigdelou B, Sepand MR, Najafikhoshnoo S, Negrete JAT, Sharaf M, Ho JQ, Sullivan I, Chauhan P, Etter M, Shekarian T, Liang O, Hutter G, Esfandiarpour R, Zanganeh S. COVID-19 and Preexisting Comorbidities: Risks, Synergies, and Clinical Outcomes. Front Immunol. 2022 May 27;13:890517. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.890517. PMID: 35711466; PMCID: PMC9196863.
“Hypertension, obesity, and diabetes mellitus were identified to be the most prevalent comorbidities in COVID-19 patients. Our meta-analysis showed that cancer, chronic kidney diseases, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension were independently associated with mortality in COVID-19 patients. Chronic kidney disease was statistically the most prominent comorbidity leading to death. However, despite having high prevalence, obesity was not associated with mortality in COVID-19 patients.”Ng WH, Tipih T, Makoah NA, Vermeulen JG, Goedhals D, Sempa JB, Burt FJ, Taylor A, Mahalingam S. Comorbidities in SARS-CoV-2 Patients: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. mBio. 2021 Feb 9;12(1):e03647-20. doi: 10.1128/mBio.03647-20. PMID: 33563817; PMCID: PMC7885108.
So, with Covid out of the picture, has anything changed for us as individuals? Well, we are all a couple of years older. But are we a couple of years healthier or not? For most people, willingly or not, life and health post-pandemic seems to be a case of business as usual. Work-life balance still remains a struggle, finding time or even the inclination for 'health' can be problematic. And the chronic illnesses that were slowly killing us before the pandemic are as rampant as before.
Despite the barriers to healthy living, NOW is the best time to take action! What are the key areas that you can focus on to be healthier, free from chronic illness, more resilient and robust?
Prioritise Physical Activity. Incorporate regular exercise into your routine, aerobic and strength based. Find activities you enjoy and make movement a non-negotiable part of your day.
Nourish the Body. Shift towards a whole food plant-based eating pattern - rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and lean proteins. Limit processed foods, added sugars, salt and unhealthy fats.
Sleep Satiety. Create a sleep promoting bedtime routine and get sufficient, recuperative sleep to wake up refreshed and ready for the new day.
Manage Stress. Take time for self-care, to practice relaxation techniques and seek emotional support when needed. Prioritise activities that promote your mental wellbeing.
Whatever your age and circumstances, making progress in one of these areas can positively affect your health in the other areas. And health doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Sometimes making that first decision, just taking that first small step, can change everything for better.
Stay Healthy,
Alastair
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