Women’s Lives Matter—The Critical Need for Women to Prioritize Optimal Physical Activity to Reduce COVID-19 Illness Risk and Severity

Karla P. Garcia-Pelagio, Tamara Hew-Butler, Mariane M. Fahlman and Joseph A. Roche
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Karla P. Garcia-Pelagio: Departamento de Física, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 4510, Mexico
Tamara Hew-Butler: Division of Kinesiology, Health and Sport Studies, College of Education, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
Mariane M. Fahlman: Division of Kinesiology, Health and Sport Studies, College of Education, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
Joseph A. Roche: Physical Therapy Program, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 19, 1-20

Abstract: Physical activity (PA) is beneficial for the health and wellness of individuals and societies. During an infectious disease pandemic, such as the one caused by COVID-19, social distancing, quarantines, and lockdowns are used to reduce community spread of the disease. Unfortunately, such nonpharmacological interventions or physical risk mitigation measures also make it challenging to engage in PA. Reduced PA could then trigger physiological changes that affect both mental and physical health. In this regard, women are more likely to experience physical and psychological distress. PA is a safe and effective nonpharmacological modality that can help prevent and manage several mental and physical health problems when performed correctly. PA might even confer benefits that are directly related to decreasing COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in women. In this review, we summarize why optimal PA must be a priority for women during the COVID-19 pandemic. We then discuss chronic COVID-19 illness and its impact on women, which further underscores the need for worldwide preventive health strategies that include PA. Finally, we discuss the importance of vaccination against COVID-19 for women, as part of prioritizing preventive healthcare and an active lifestyle.

Keywords: physical activity (PA); exercise; health and wellness; women’s health; preventive healthcare; vaccination; risk mitigation; nonpharmacological interventions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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