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elah42's avatar

Really I think it comes down to having a conversation with patients, rather than a lecture.

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Amy E. Harth, PhD's avatar

Exercise more is often seen as the “less harmful” of the two because “everyone” supposedly benefits from exercise. But this is not true! Exercise, even what many consider gentler or fun movements or activities, can be contraindicated for people with certain disabilities and/or medical conditions like ME/CFS. We’re now seeing Long Covid as very similar to ME/CFS so this is an increasing population for whom exercise can be harmful. One of the key recommendations to reduce chances of developing Long Covid is to rest and avoid exercise and any inessential activity for longer than you think necessary if you have Covid, up to several weeks after symptoms have stopped. Fat people, however, are those most likely to be pressured to exercise even when it is not helpful and can be actively harmful to physical and/or mental health.

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