Austrian internists with warning about the consequences of the lockdown – Coronavirus Vienna

Austrian internists are concerned. Even the first blockage in spring 2020 would have resulted in low blood sugar and blood pressure, as well as weight gain in patients. Top representatives of the Austrian Federal Association of Internists (BÖI) warned on Sunday that this should be avoided now, in the second closing of this year.

In times of Covid-19 and restrictions in public life, regular physical activities should not be forgotten. “Unfortunately, internists have had to find more and more in recent months that due to lack of exercise during the lockdown in the spring of 2020, many people later had low blood sugar and blood pressure values ​​and also gained weight. Therefore, we appeal to the population regularly, despite the renewed confinement, to integrate sufficient physical activities into their daily lives “, emphasized Martina Wölfl-Misak, president of the professional association and her future successor, Bonni Syeda, in unison during weekend.

The warning comes at the right time when the second crash begins. MedUni Vienna’s public health experts raised the alarm in spring. In a test with twelve test people with an average age of 38 years, a first pilot study at the central office between March 16 and April 26, 2020 observed an increase in body weight of up to four kilograms, on average it was of about two kilograms.

In particular, daily activity had decreased. However, this can mean 300 to 500 kilocalories of reduced energy consumption per day, ultimately resulting in additional weight.

According to internists, this should be countered as soon as possible with the start of the next shutdown. “Taking a brisk walk or cycling outdoors is already a first step in the right direction. Anyone with an ergometer device can use it regularly for training. If there is no fitness equipment available at home, you can simply take the stairs. Instead, use the elevator or get up in the home office while calling and walking around the apartment, Wölfl-Misak emphasized.

Physical activity improves important parameters such as blood pressure, blood sugar or cholesterol level. An improved general condition also helps in case of SARS-CoV-2 infection or Covid-19 disease.

Syeda also made it clear that you should urgently see a doctor if you have health problems to avoid consequential harm. Postponement of preventive examinations can also have serious consequences if serious illnesses cannot be detected early. “We have to avoid collateral damage to health from the second confinement. We must not forget that there are other diseases besides Covid-19 that require medical treatment, “said the internist.

In any case, Austrian specialists in internal medicine in private practice would be there for patients as much as possible. Wölfl-Misak and Syeda: “Almost all internists keep their ordinations open for the health of the population despite the pandemic. In case there are restrictions on the outpatient services of the internal hospital due to the closure, patients can also go to internal ordinations after making an appointment by phone. ” The strictest hygiene and protection measures are observed in ordinations.

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