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Health Effects of Lockdown, Quarantine, and Social Distancing

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Health Effects of Lockdown, Quarantine, and Social Distancing 100% Confidential | Independent from Employer or Health Plan | No Cost to Eligible Employees ConsumerMedical is your Medical Ally for confidential, one-on-one support and expert guidance on any health concern you or your family may face. Health Effects of Lockdown, Quarantine, and Social Distancing In the U.S., different states and localities have issued “lockdown” or “stay at home” orders to help control the spread of COVID-19. People who have COVID-19, have been exposed, or may have been exposed have additional guidelines for quarantine and isolation. The stress of a pandemic and social distancing can impact both physical and mental health. Here are some ways you can protect your health. Home Office Ergonomics and Sitting The number of people working from home has increased substantially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether you’re working from a desk or couch, these ergonomic tips can help reduce your risk of strain and help keep you focused: • Keep your work area well lit • Use a seat with good lumbar support • Sit at a height where your feet can rest comfortably on the floor or footrest • Keep your laptop screen or monitor at about eye level Even with perfect posture, sitting for long periods of time can increase health risks, including back and shoulder pain, obesity, and other chronic conditions. Be sure to move throughout the day – stand up, stretch, and take walks. Weight Gain You may have heard of the “COVID 15” – referring to weight people have gained during the pandemic. Early studies support the idea that lockdown and quarantine can lead to weight gain, especially among children and people who were already obese. There are many possible reasons, including reduced physical activity and changes in eating habits. Here are some tips to combat weight gain during COVID-19: • Try yoga, stretching, simple exercises, or an online workout at home • Practice mindful eating – be wary of snacking too much, and control your portions • Try grocery delivery instead of restaurant delivery • Cook a week’s worth of meals in advance – this may be helpful if you can’t get to the grocery store as often as usual • Stay hydrated and get plenty of sleep Mental Health During uncertain times, many people feel stressed, anxious, sad, lonely, or scared. In a recent poll, 53% of adults said that their mental health has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch for mood changes in yourself and your family, and consider the following tips: • Practice relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, mindfulness, or quiet hobbies like reading and listening to music • Take care of your physical health by eating right, exercising, and avoiding excessive use of alcohol • Limit the time you spend watching or reading news – focus on facts and trusted information sources, rather than opinions and commentary • Ask for help when you need it – from family, friends, or healthcare providers References: OSHA. 2020. Good Working Positions. Computer Workstations eTool. https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/positions.html NIOSH. 2017. Using Total Worker Health® Concepts to Reduce the Health Risks from Sedentary Work. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/wp-solutions/2017-131/ Cheikh Ismail, L. et al. (2020). Eating Habits and Lifestyle during COVID-19 Lockdown in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study. Nutrients, 12(11), E3314. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12113314 de Luis Román, D. A. et al. (2020). Effect of lockdown for COVID-19 on self-reported body weight gain in a sample of obese patients. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.20960/nh.03307 Robinson, E. et al. (2020). Obesity, eating behavior and physical activity during COVID-19 lockdown: A study of UK adults. Appetite, 156, 104853. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2020.104853 Panchal, N. et al. (2020). The Implications of COVID-19 for Mental health and Substance Use. Kaiser Family Foundation. https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/issue-brief/the-implications-of-covid- 19-for-mental-health-and-substance-use/ Contact ConsumerMedical 1-888-361-3944 Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern myconsumermedical.com To register, enter company name MyMedicalAlly app Download free from the App Store or Google Play.
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