HEALTH & WELLNESS
Editor’s Note:
At Bold Blind Beauty, our goal is for you to enjoy life, but be well while doing it. During #CoVid-19 we want to assist you with that, so here is our COVID-19 #TOTD (TipOf The Day).
CoVid-19 TOTD #8: Risk Factors
Who is really at risk for COVID-19?
This is a question that is being asked over and over again. As this pandemic continues, people want to be able to make informed decisions when it comes to the health and safety of themselves and their loved ones. As information is learned, the public wants to have that information shared with them, which is quite understandable. Being able to know the Center for Disease Control (CDC‘s) findings as to who is among those considered to be in the severe risk category would be helpful. It would afford us the opportunity to put the necessary precautions needed in place.
We have been told that if you have an underlying medical condition or if you are 65 or older you are in the severe risk category for COVID-19. Simply Being 65 or older is not what puts someone at risk. The reason this age category exists is because most people at that age and above have some type of underlying medical condition. Knowing this, what are some other areas we should be aware of? After the CDC reviewed data from multiple studies, these are the medical conditions that consistently showed up:
- Chronic kidney disease
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Obesity (BMI of 30 or higher)
- Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant
- Serious heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
- Sickle cell disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Asthma
- High blood pressure
- Neurological conditions (dementia and cerebrovascular disease (stroke)
The CDC has been a great resource during this time of uncertainty. Did you know that over 40% of American adults are living with obesity? When you think of the number of people who have a combination of underlying illnesses which puts them at an even higher risk, that risk increases upwards towards 60%. The more informed you are, the more able you are to make decisions regarding your risk and the levels of risk that you choose to take.
Businesses and communities have slowly been opening back up and with that comes more interaction and gathering of people. Knowing and understanding our role at this time can be crucial to us, our loved ones, and the community that surrounds us. Realize that every interaction we make, comes with some level of risk.
Do not forget the safety measures that you already have in place. You should continue the handwashing, surface sanitizing, mask wearing, 6 feet or more of social distancing, and any other processes that will maintain your safety. Even if you’re not in one of the high risk categories as mentioned above, everyone is at risk because at any time you can come in contact with the coronavirus. Continue safety measures in order to protect yourself and those around you. As you are going out and engaging, be mindful to focus on activities that allow for social distancing of 6 feet or more.
Your thoughts are welcome, so comment below as to whether this TOTD was helpful, what you would like to know as it relates to safety tips, and what you were able to relate to. Your insights and expressions are appreciated.
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