COVID-19 FAQ #7: Is it safe for myeloma patients to take walks?
The seventh episode of his ten episode COVID-19 FAQ series, Dr. Brian G.M. Durie discusses how myeloma patients can safely take walks during the shelter-at-home order. BOTTOM LINE: |
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Videos in the COVID-19 Series
- FAQ #1: How can myeloma pts reduce the possibility of being exposed to the coronavirus?
- FAQ #2: What do myeloma patients need to know about COVID-19?
- FAQ #3: Do myeloma patients need to adjust their treatment?
- FAQ #4: What are some of the treatment modifications myeloma patients should consider?
- FAQ #5: What are the risk factors that could lead myeloma patients to develop serious consequences from the COVID-19 infection?
- FAQ #6: What precautions should myeloma patients take when getting their groceries?
- FAQ #7: Is it safe for myeloma patients to take walks?
- FAQ #8: Is physical distancing still recommended for myeloma patients?
- FAQ #9: Can myeloma patients avoid contracting the COVID-19 infection?
- FAQ #10: Should Myeloma patients undergo routine COVID-19 antibody testing?
- FAQ #11: Are MGUS and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) patients considered to be at higher risk for severe consequences from a COVID-19 infection?
- FAQ #12: If a myeloma patient takes Revlimid® (lenalidomide) as maintenance treatment, should this patient continue with that treatment during the pandemic?
- FAQ #13: Is it safe for myeloma patients to resume in-person doctors' visits?
- FAQ #14: Should myeloma patients undergo ASCT during the pandemic?
- FAQ #15: Is dexamethasone helpful against the COVID-19 infection?
- FAQ #16: Is it safe for myeloma patients to travel by airplane?
- FAQ #17: How high of a risk do asymptomatic carriers pose to myeloma patients?
- FAQ #18: Is Ninlaro® a safe treatment alternative for myeloma patients during the pandemic?
Transcript:
This “Ask Dr. Durie” is a frequently asked question about the COVID-19 infection. This is frequently asked question number seven. And, this is a simple question, a patient asked, many patients asked, “is it safe for me to go out for a walk?”
And, the answer to that is absolutely, yes. Definitely good to go out and get some fresh air and get some exercise. However, you do need to be cautious. We do not want you going out and getting into a group of any type. So, you need to strictly respect physical distancing. If you go out into the neighborhood, you can be on the opposite side of the street from some of your neighbors as you’re walking and chatting. It is important to maintain social connections even though you are physically distancing.
And, I think that experts right now are really, really, strongly supporting the idea of both of those things, physical distancing, but, getting some exercise, very helpful.
Respecting the need for social contact. These days we are staying at home, but we do need to maintain contact with our neighbors and our friends, and so, that is a key additional aspect.
So, BOTTOM LINE, yes, please feel free and enjoy a walk in the air. Get some fresh air, get some sun, at a distance. Maintain contact with your neighbors and friends. This is a very healthful and helpful thing to do
Dr. Brian G.M. Durie serves as Chairman of the International Myeloma Foundation and serves on its Scientific Advisory Board. Additionally, he is Chairman of the IMF's International Myeloma Working Group, a consortium of nearly 200 myeloma experts from around the world. Dr. Durie also leads the IMF’s Black Swan Research Initiative®.