Coronavirus prep
Replies
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I see photos locally of people who've died from Covid (news sources, friends' social media posts). I suspect that those tend to be a slightly more representative (random-ish) sample than what might be featured in a national media series about people who've died from it.
Why? The national news sources I follow, when they do this, seem to make an effort to choose a spectrum of people from the thousands of national cases (choose a variety of ages, races, health statuses, occupations, locations . . . .), and (I suspect) also make it a point to choose some "never would have thought it could happen" cases (younger, athletic, whatever), as a way to deliver the "it could be you" message.
ETA: A lot of the local photos I've seen have been obese/overweight people. Not all.7 -
SuzySunshine99 wrote: »Theoldguy1 wrote: »paperpudding wrote: »Theoldguy1 wrote: »Small rant on public health messages on Covid. We hear wear masks, distance, wash hands and those with comorbidities are more susceptible to complications from Covid.
Where is the messaging to take positive steps to reduce comorbidities? Lose weight, positive steps for better nutrition, etc.
My answer to that would be because simple messages hit home.
If one tries to have a message about, for example, getting regular pap smears - one doesnt throw in getting regular FOBT's and regular general check ups and vaccinations, and surgery is open x time to do it and the turn around time for results is x and if result is positive or negative, x is next step and other relevant but TLDR and now nobody is getting any message at all.
Simple poster: get a pap smear every 5 years.
Simple poster, "lose weight, reduce your chance of complications from Covid".
Do you really think that would convince a single person to lose weight?
Is there anyone out there that would say, “well, I knew my obesity could cause heart disease, stroke, diabetes, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, etc, but now that I know it could cause Covid complications, I’m going to do something about it!”
I just don’t think that’s realistic for an ad campaign. People who won’t listen to their own doctors won’t listen to a poster.
Anything can be the last straw, that triggers someone to make a change.
I still don't think the odds of success from an "obesity = bad Covid outcome" campaign are high enough to make it a priority to spend money that way, in a crisis.
(I stayed obese for decades, until my doctor wanted to put me on statins, and I didn't want to risk the additional cognitive decline . . . on top of the cognitive decline I'd already gotten with chemotherapy, for the advanced-stage cancer I possibly wouldn't have developed if I had not been obese and inactive. How stupid is all of that? 🙄 No doctor ever told me I was too fat, and should lose weight, BTW . . . which is not to say I'd have listened, if they had. Clearly, I'm a proven idiot.)
I also agree with others who're saying that most people with comorbidities (including obesity) know that they're at greater risk of Covid complications including death, and if they don't, probably have bigger problems arising out of ignorance than that specific one . . . or are intentionally keeping their heads in the sand.10 -
Excess weight carrying as a risk factor was identified early on. Boris lost a substantial amount while he was hospitalised. Hearing the story of someone today, who left hospital after best part of 2 months, he described himself as "a bag of bones". For him having some extra reserves might have worked in his favour, his had been a very close call. May be he lost only two stone similar to our PM.
Regrettably as in all things, there will be outliers who are not in accepted risk groups and still do not make it.
Earlier in this evening UK news, was saying our disadvantaged areas were disproportionately represented in the high numbers, those areas also had deeper cuts in health and other services, I'm assuming this was in the early years of this Government, following the International Financial Crisis and were ongoing in 2019, by % of the previous year, 2018 not having made up any difference. The recovery was not happening readily, people have been said to be no better off than at the start of the crash.
I hope everyone here stays well.2 -
SuzySunshine99 wrote: »Theoldguy1 wrote: »paperpudding wrote: »Theoldguy1 wrote: »Small rant on public health messages on Covid. We hear wear masks, distance, wash hands and those with comorbidities are more susceptible to complications from Covid.
Where is the messaging to take positive steps to reduce comorbidities? Lose weight, positive steps for better nutrition, etc.
My answer to that would be because simple messages hit home.
If one tries to have a message about, for example, getting regular pap smears - one doesnt throw in getting regular FOBT's and regular general check ups and vaccinations, and surgery is open x time to do it and the turn around time for results is x and if result is positive or negative, x is next step and other relevant but TLDR and now nobody is getting any message at all.
Simple poster: get a pap smear every 5 years.
Simple poster, "lose weight, reduce your chance of complications from Covid".
Do you really think that would convince a single person to lose weight?
Is there anyone out there that would say, “well, I knew my obesity could cause heart disease, stroke, diabetes, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, etc, but now that I know it could cause Covid complications, I’m going to do something about it!”
I just don’t think that’s realistic for an ad campaign. People who won’t listen to their own doctors won’t listen to a poster.
Anything can be the last straw, that triggers someone to make a change.
I still don't think the odds of success from an "obesity = bad Covid outcome" campaign are high enough to make it a priority to spend money that way, in a crisis.
(I stayed obese for decades, until my doctor wanted to put me on statins, and I didn't want to risk the additional cognitive decline . . . on top of the cognitive decline I'd already gotten with chemotherapy, for the advanced-stage cancer I possibly wouldn't have developed if I had not been obese and inactive. How stupid is all of that? 🙄 No doctor ever told me I was too fat, and should lose weight, BTW . . . which is not to say I'd have listened, if they had. Clearly, I'm a proven idiot.)
I also agree with others who're saying that most people with comorbidities (including obesity) know that they're at greater risk of Covid complications including death, and if they don't, probably have bigger problems arising out of ignorance than that specific one . . . or are intentionally keeping their heads in the sand.
Unfortunately the Fat Acceptance crowd has already decided that obesity is not a risk factor at all, and that any correlation must be just fat shaming. Someone who I otherwise respect got into a heated argument about it.10 -
I think part of the reason that obesity gets so much blowback is that weight isn't simple. It's about our relationship with food and pleasure and there's often a whole lot of trauma there. If you can't or won't treat the trauma, then the weight loss won't happen...and if it does, you'll put that weight back on quick. I watched that with my ex. He went into the hospital and spent three months in an induced coma and lost 150 pounds. Another 50-75 pounds, and he would have been at normal weight. And his response? He ate constantly and put it all back on in six months. Because he still had deep unresolved trauma around food.
And of course there's the fact that if you quit smoking, you are an ex-smoker and your risks go down from day one. Wash your clothes, and you don't smell any more. Give it a week to sweat out of your system and no one will smell it in your body. But I've been eating very carefully to lose weight for nearly an entire year, and I'm still fat. I'm not as fat as I was, but I'm still objectively fat, not normal, not skinny. It may take me another whole year, since I can't go to the gym cause COVID, so I have to do it all with diet. And you have to exist as fat while you're losing, and it's not like there's a sign "Don't harass me for my weight, I lost two pounds last week and twenty total so far!" over your head as you walk around in daily life.
People have to get their heads to the right point to work on weight and their relationship with food, and where that is is highly individual. COVID may do it for some. If it does, that's great. Whatever works.
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Theoldguy1 wrote: »paperpudding wrote: »Theoldguy1 wrote: »Small rant on public health messages on Covid. We hear wear masks, distance, wash hands and those with comorbidities are more susceptible to complications from Covid.
Where is the messaging to take positive steps to reduce comorbidities? Lose weight, positive steps for better nutrition, etc.
My answer to that would be because simple messages hit home.
If one tries to have a message about, for example, getting regular pap smears - one doesnt throw in getting regular FOBT's and regular general check ups and vaccinations, and surgery is open x time to do it and the turn around time for results is x and if result is positive or negative, x is next step and other relevant but TLDR and now nobody is getting any message at all.
Simple poster: get a pap smear every 5 years.
Simple poster, "lose weight, reduce your chance of complications from Covid".
Yes if that is the main message you want to convey.
However it seems a secondary message to me..
If we want the message of masks, hand washing, social distancing hitting home, then dont muddy the waters with secondary messages.
Posters work better when simple and direct.
9 -
paperpudding wrote: »Theoldguy1 wrote: »paperpudding wrote: »Theoldguy1 wrote: »Small rant on public health messages on Covid. We hear wear masks, distance, wash hands and those with comorbidities are more susceptible to complications from Covid.
Where is the messaging to take positive steps to reduce comorbidities? Lose weight, positive steps for better nutrition, etc.
My answer to that would be because simple messages hit home.
If one tries to have a message about, for example, getting regular pap smears - one doesnt throw in getting regular FOBT's and regular general check ups and vaccinations, and surgery is open x time to do it and the turn around time for results is x and if result is positive or negative, x is next step and other relevant but TLDR and now nobody is getting any message at all.
Simple poster: get a pap smear every 5 years.
Simple poster, "lose weight, reduce your chance of complications from Covid".
Yes if that is the main message you want to convey.
However it seems a secondary message to me..
If we want the message of masks, hand washing, social distancing hitting home, then dont muddy the waters with secondary messages.
Posters work better when simple and direct.
I totally agree❤️
And if you want a secondary message to resonate with people, don’t single, one comorbidity out. List them all. There’s a lot of risk factors that can cause severe cases of covid leading to death. Even if there is a high number of deaths among overweight people who have died from covid. It’s not the only preexisting factor, or the only preventable one.
Let’s not forget the survivors of covid who are suffering from neurological disorders, some from very mild cases of covid. Take into consideration long term affects from surviving covid may be appearing well into the future. No one knows for sure.
The single best preventative measure, face covering, social distancing, and hand washing. Most everyone can, and should, be complying with this.
Take the time to read this article about what caregivers in ICU units are going through. It’s heartbreaking.
https://apple.news/ArQx9d9CfSvKqfRyNx7DLtw5 -
missysippy930 wrote: »paperpudding wrote: »Theoldguy1 wrote: »paperpudding wrote: »Theoldguy1 wrote: »Small rant on public health messages on Covid. We hear wear masks, distance, wash hands and those with comorbidities are more susceptible to complications from Covid.
Where is the messaging to take positive steps to reduce comorbidities? Lose weight, positive steps for better nutrition, etc.
My answer to that would be because simple messages hit home.
If one tries to have a message about, for example, getting regular pap smears - one doesnt throw in getting regular FOBT's and regular general check ups and vaccinations, and surgery is open x time to do it and the turn around time for results is x and if result is positive or negative, x is next step and other relevant but TLDR and now nobody is getting any message at all.
Simple poster: get a pap smear every 5 years.
Simple poster, "lose weight, reduce your chance of complications from Covid".
Yes if that is the main message you want to convey.
However it seems a secondary message to me..
If we want the message of masks, hand washing, social distancing hitting home, then dont muddy the waters with secondary messages.
Posters work better when simple and direct.
I totally agree❤️
And if you want a secondary message to resonate with people, don’t single, one comorbidity out. List them all. There’s a lot of risk factors that can cause severe cases of covid leading to death. Even if there is a high number of deaths among overweight people who have died from covid. It’s not the only preexisting factor, or the only preventable one.
Let’s not forget the survivors of covid who are suffering from neurological disorders, some from very mild cases of covid. Take into consideration long term affects from surviving covid may be appearing well into the future. No one knows for sure.
The single best preventative measure, face covering, social distancing, and hand washing. Most everyone can, and should, be complying with this.
Take the time to read this article about what caregivers in ICU units are going through. It’s heartbreaking.
https://apple.news/ArQx9d9CfSvKqfRyNx7DLtw
From the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html
"Adults of any age with the following conditions are at increased risk of severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19:
Cancer
Chronic kidney disease
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant
Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher but < 40 kg/m2)
Severe Obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2)
Pregnancy
Sickle cell disease
Smoking
Type 2 diabetes mellitus"
Please review the list, the only factors one can directly control are obesity, smoking and pregnancy. Other than cancer and sickle cell anemia the other risk factors are all made more severe by obesity.
Never have I said that face coverings, distancing, etc. should be ignored or messaging reduced. My point is losing weight, quitting smoking and improving the nutritional content of one's diet are realistically the only things an individual can do to make the impact of the disease less severe if one should contract it. This fact should be publicized.
I'm well aware of the sufferings of our health care professionals ands pray for them daily. Wouldn't it be nice if there was messaging out there that working on obesity and quitting smoking would result in less serious cases and less load on the health care providers? Perhaps someone at the start of all this would have worked on weight loss and would be 50 pounds lighter they would be quarantining in home due to improved health rather than in an ICU bed if blunt messaging about the impact of obesity and smoking was out there early.
Or are we just concerned with misplaced political correctness?5 -
paperpudding wrote: »Theoldguy1 wrote: »paperpudding wrote: »Theoldguy1 wrote: »Small rant on public health messages on Covid. We hear wear masks, distance, wash hands and those with comorbidities are more susceptible to complications from Covid.
Where is the messaging to take positive steps to reduce comorbidities? Lose weight, positive steps for better nutrition, etc.
My answer to that would be because simple messages hit home.
If one tries to have a message about, for example, getting regular pap smears - one doesnt throw in getting regular FOBT's and regular general check ups and vaccinations, and surgery is open x time to do it and the turn around time for results is x and if result is positive or negative, x is next step and other relevant but TLDR and now nobody is getting any message at all.
Simple poster: get a pap smear every 5 years.
Simple poster, "lose weight, reduce your chance of complications from Covid".
Yes if that is the main message you want to convey.
However it seems a secondary message to me..
If we want the message of masks, hand washing, social distancing hitting home, then dont muddy the waters with secondary messages.
Posters work better when simple and direct.
We pay marketing professional big bucks to get messages to the public. They can effectively get both messages out there5 -
Theoldguy1 wrote: »missysippy930 wrote: »paperpudding wrote: »Theoldguy1 wrote: »paperpudding wrote: »Theoldguy1 wrote: »Small rant on public health messages on Covid. We hear wear masks, distance, wash hands and those with comorbidities are more susceptible to complications from Covid.
Where is the messaging to take positive steps to reduce comorbidities? Lose weight, positive steps for better nutrition, etc.
My answer to that would be because simple messages hit home.
If one tries to have a message about, for example, getting regular pap smears - one doesnt throw in getting regular FOBT's and regular general check ups and vaccinations, and surgery is open x time to do it and the turn around time for results is x and if result is positive or negative, x is next step and other relevant but TLDR and now nobody is getting any message at all.
Simple poster: get a pap smear every 5 years.
Simple poster, "lose weight, reduce your chance of complications from Covid".
Yes if that is the main message you want to convey.
However it seems a secondary message to me..
If we want the message of masks, hand washing, social distancing hitting home, then dont muddy the waters with secondary messages.
Posters work better when simple and direct.
I totally agree❤️
And if you want a secondary message to resonate with people, don’t single, one comorbidity out. List them all. There’s a lot of risk factors that can cause severe cases of covid leading to death. Even if there is a high number of deaths among overweight people who have died from covid. It’s not the only preexisting factor, or the only preventable one.
Let’s not forget the survivors of covid who are suffering from neurological disorders, some from very mild cases of covid. Take into consideration long term affects from surviving covid may be appearing well into the future. No one knows for sure.
The single best preventative measure, face covering, social distancing, and hand washing. Most everyone can, and should, be complying with this.
Take the time to read this article about what caregivers in ICU units are going through. It’s heartbreaking.
https://apple.news/ArQx9d9CfSvKqfRyNx7DLtw
From the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html
"Adults of any age with the following conditions are at increased risk of severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19:
Cancer
Chronic kidney disease
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant
Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher but < 40 kg/m2)
Severe Obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2)
Pregnancy
Sickle cell disease
Smoking
Type 2 diabetes mellitus"
Please review the list, the only factors one can directly control are obesity, smoking and pregnancy. Other than cancer and sickle cell anemia the other risk factors are all made more severe by obesity.
Never have I said that face coverings, distancing, etc. should be ignored or messaging reduced. My point is losing weight, quitting smoking and improving the nutritional content of one's diet are realistically the only things an individual can do to make the impact of the disease less severe if one should contract it. This fact should be publicized.
I'm well aware of the sufferings of our health care professionals ands pray for them daily. Wouldn't it be nice if there was messaging out there that working on obesity and quitting smoking would result in less serious cases and less load on the health care providers? Perhaps someone at the start of all this would have worked on weight loss and would be 50 pounds lighter they would be quarantining in home due to improved health rather than in an ICU bed if blunt messaging about the impact of obesity and smoking was out there early.
Or are we just concerned with misplaced political correctness?
Whose misplaced PC?
My husband is an essential worker. Six year cancer survivor with a slowly growing cancer at the sight of original cancer that was surgically removed. Being monitored at this time every three months for growth. Untreatable at the moment.
I’m well aware of the increased risks for people with existing conditions you so kindly pointed out to me.
Show a little compassion for others that aren’t able to live up to exalted standards others think they should be capable of overcoming.
Please wear face coverings and social distance. It’s not too much to ask.18 -
missysippy930 wrote: »Theoldguy1 wrote: »missysippy930 wrote: »paperpudding wrote: »Theoldguy1 wrote: »paperpudding wrote: »Theoldguy1 wrote: »Small rant on public health messages on Covid. We hear wear masks, distance, wash hands and those with comorbidities are more susceptible to complications from Covid.
Where is the messaging to take positive steps to reduce comorbidities? Lose weight, positive steps for better nutrition, etc.
My answer to that would be because simple messages hit home.
If one tries to have a message about, for example, getting regular pap smears - one doesnt throw in getting regular FOBT's and regular general check ups and vaccinations, and surgery is open x time to do it and the turn around time for results is x and if result is positive or negative, x is next step and other relevant but TLDR and now nobody is getting any message at all.
Simple poster: get a pap smear every 5 years.
Simple poster, "lose weight, reduce your chance of complications from Covid".
Yes if that is the main message you want to convey.
However it seems a secondary message to me..
If we want the message of masks, hand washing, social distancing hitting home, then dont muddy the waters with secondary messages.
Posters work better when simple and direct.
I totally agree❤️
And if you want a secondary message to resonate with people, don’t single, one comorbidity out. List them all. There’s a lot of risk factors that can cause severe cases of covid leading to death. Even if there is a high number of deaths among overweight people who have died from covid. It’s not the only preexisting factor, or the only preventable one.
Let’s not forget the survivors of covid who are suffering from neurological disorders, some from very mild cases of covid. Take into consideration long term affects from surviving covid may be appearing well into the future. No one knows for sure.
The single best preventative measure, face covering, social distancing, and hand washing. Most everyone can, and should, be complying with this.
Take the time to read this article about what caregivers in ICU units are going through. It’s heartbreaking.
https://apple.news/ArQx9d9CfSvKqfRyNx7DLtw
From the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html
"Adults of any age with the following conditions are at increased risk of severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19:
Cancer
Chronic kidney disease
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant
Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher but < 40 kg/m2)
Severe Obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2)
Pregnancy
Sickle cell disease
Smoking
Type 2 diabetes mellitus"
Please review the list, the only factors one can directly control are obesity, smoking and pregnancy. Other than cancer and sickle cell anemia the other risk factors are all made more severe by obesity.
Never have I said that face coverings, distancing, etc. should be ignored or messaging reduced. My point is losing weight, quitting smoking and improving the nutritional content of one's diet are realistically the only things an individual can do to make the impact of the disease less severe if one should contract it. This fact should be publicized.
I'm well aware of the sufferings of our health care professionals ands pray for them daily. Wouldn't it be nice if there was messaging out there that working on obesity and quitting smoking would result in less serious cases and less load on the health care providers? Perhaps someone at the start of all this would have worked on weight loss and would be 50 pounds lighter they would be quarantining in home due to improved health rather than in an ICU bed if blunt messaging about the impact of obesity and smoking was out there early.
Or are we just concerned with misplaced political correctness?
Whose misplaced PC?
My husband is an essential worker. Six year cancer survivor with a slowly growing cancer at the sight of original cancer that was surgically removed. Being monitored at this time every three months for growth. Untreatable at the moment.
I’m well aware of the increased risks for people with existing conditions you so kindly pointed out to me.
Show a little compassion for others that aren’t able to live up to exalted standards others think they should be capable of overcoming.
Please wear face coverings and social distance. It’s not too much to ask.
Sorry for your family's issues. Of course wear masks and social distance, but also take steps that you personally can to make the impact of Covid less severe if one gets it.3 -
Theoldguy1 wrote: »missysippy930 wrote: »paperpudding wrote: »Theoldguy1 wrote: »paperpudding wrote: »Theoldguy1 wrote: »Small rant on public health messages on Covid. We hear wear masks, distance, wash hands and those with comorbidities are more susceptible to complications from Covid.
Where is the messaging to take positive steps to reduce comorbidities? Lose weight, positive steps for better nutrition, etc.
My answer to that would be because simple messages hit home.
If one tries to have a message about, for example, getting regular pap smears - one doesnt throw in getting regular FOBT's and regular general check ups and vaccinations, and surgery is open x time to do it and the turn around time for results is x and if result is positive or negative, x is next step and other relevant but TLDR and now nobody is getting any message at all.
Simple poster: get a pap smear every 5 years.
Simple poster, "lose weight, reduce your chance of complications from Covid".
Yes if that is the main message you want to convey.
However it seems a secondary message to me..
If we want the message of masks, hand washing, social distancing hitting home, then dont muddy the waters with secondary messages.
Posters work better when simple and direct.
I totally agree❤️
And if you want a secondary message to resonate with people, don’t single, one comorbidity out. List them all. There’s a lot of risk factors that can cause severe cases of covid leading to death. Even if there is a high number of deaths among overweight people who have died from covid. It’s not the only preexisting factor, or the only preventable one.
Let’s not forget the survivors of covid who are suffering from neurological disorders, some from very mild cases of covid. Take into consideration long term affects from surviving covid may be appearing well into the future. No one knows for sure.
The single best preventative measure, face covering, social distancing, and hand washing. Most everyone can, and should, be complying with this.
Take the time to read this article about what caregivers in ICU units are going through. It’s heartbreaking.
https://apple.news/ArQx9d9CfSvKqfRyNx7DLtw
From the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html
"Adults of any age with the following conditions are at increased risk of severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19:
Cancer
Chronic kidney disease
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant
Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher but < 40 kg/m2)
Severe Obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2)
Pregnancy
Sickle cell disease
Smoking
Type 2 diabetes mellitus"
Please review the list, the only factors one can directly control are obesity, smoking and pregnancy. Other than cancer and sickle cell anemia the other risk factors are all made more severe by obesity.
Never have I said that face coverings, distancing, etc. should be ignored or messaging reduced. My point is losing weight, quitting smoking and improving the nutritional content of one's diet are realistically the only things an individual can do to make the impact of the disease less severe if one should contract it. This fact should be publicized.
I'm well aware of the sufferings of our health care professionals ands pray for them daily. Wouldn't it be nice if there was messaging out there that working on obesity and quitting smoking would result in less serious cases and less load on the health care providers? Perhaps someone at the start of all this would have worked on weight loss and would be 50 pounds lighter they would be quarantining in home due to improved health rather than in an ICU bed if blunt messaging about the impact of obesity and smoking was out there early.
Or are we just concerned with misplaced political correctness?
"Support public messaging to reduce obesity because of Covid" and "misplaced political correctness" are far from the only thought-options here.
I'm team "would be a waste of money because people are not responsive to messages like that", mostly. We don't have the money to do every theoretically good thing. I'd priortize the things that are likely to work on actual humans, in significant numbers. "Lose weight to limit Covid severity" is not one of those, IMO. ROI = terrible, I think.
Nothing "politically correct" about it . . . pretty cynical, in fact.
("Stay away from obese people and smokers because if you infect them they'll die" might be *slightly* more effective . . . even on the obese people and smokers: How's that for politically incorrect? 😆 Mild social ostracism was one element of the complex of things that have reduced smoking from "nearly everyone" to around 15% (US) over a few decades).11 -
I’m surprised some of the pill pusher companies haven’t jumped on the bandwagon with “buy our pills and lose weight today to
Fight complications of Covid” or something similar.4 -
I wonder why Type 1 diabetes isn't on that list? Is there some reason it wouldn't be a factor?1
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Theoldguy1 wrote: »missysippy930 wrote: »paperpudding wrote: »Theoldguy1 wrote: »paperpudding wrote: »Theoldguy1 wrote: »Small rant on public health messages on Covid. We hear wear masks, distance, wash hands and those with comorbidities are more susceptible to complications from Covid.
Where is the messaging to take positive steps to reduce comorbidities? Lose weight, positive steps for better nutrition, etc.
My answer to that would be because simple messages hit home.
If one tries to have a message about, for example, getting regular pap smears - one doesnt throw in getting regular FOBT's and regular general check ups and vaccinations, and surgery is open x time to do it and the turn around time for results is x and if result is positive or negative, x is next step and other relevant but TLDR and now nobody is getting any message at all.
Simple poster: get a pap smear every 5 years.
Simple poster, "lose weight, reduce your chance of complications from Covid".
Yes if that is the main message you want to convey.
However it seems a secondary message to me..
If we want the message of masks, hand washing, social distancing hitting home, then dont muddy the waters with secondary messages.
Posters work better when simple and direct.
I totally agree❤️
And if you want a secondary message to resonate with people, don’t single, one comorbidity out. List them all. There’s a lot of risk factors that can cause severe cases of covid leading to death. Even if there is a high number of deaths among overweight people who have died from covid. It’s not the only preexisting factor, or the only preventable one.
Let’s not forget the survivors of covid who are suffering from neurological disorders, some from very mild cases of covid. Take into consideration long term affects from surviving covid may be appearing well into the future. No one knows for sure.
The single best preventative measure, face covering, social distancing, and hand washing. Most everyone can, and should, be complying with this.
Take the time to read this article about what caregivers in ICU units are going through. It’s heartbreaking.
https://apple.news/ArQx9d9CfSvKqfRyNx7DLtw
From the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html
"Adults of any age with the following conditions are at increased risk of severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19:
Cancer
Chronic kidney disease
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant
Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher but < 40 kg/m2)
Severe Obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2)
Pregnancy
Sickle cell disease
Smoking
Type 2 diabetes mellitus"
Please review the list, the only factors one can directly control are obesity, smoking and pregnancy. Other than cancer and sickle cell anemia the other risk factors are all made more severe by obesity.
Never have I said that face coverings, distancing, etc. should be ignored or messaging reduced. My point is losing weight, quitting smoking and improving the nutritional content of one's diet are realistically the only things an individual can do to make the impact of the disease less severe if one should contract it. This fact should be publicized.
I'm well aware of the sufferings of our health care professionals ands pray for them daily. Wouldn't it be nice if there was messaging out there that working on obesity and quitting smoking would result in less serious cases and less load on the health care providers? Perhaps someone at the start of all this would have worked on weight loss and would be 50 pounds lighter they would be quarantining in home due to improved health rather than in an ICU bed if blunt messaging about the impact of obesity and smoking was out there early.
Or are we just concerned with misplaced political correctness?
"Support public messaging to reduce obesity because of Covid" and "misplaced political correctness" are far from the only thought-options here.
I'm team "would be a waste of money because people are not responsive to messages like that", mostly. We don't have the money to do every theoretically good thing. I'd priortize the things that are likely to work on actual humans, in significant numbers. "Lose weight to limit Covid severity" is not one of those, IMO. ROI = terrible, I think.
Nothing "politically correct" about it . . . pretty cynical, in fact.
("Stay away from obese people and smokers because if you infect them they'll die" might be *slightly* more effective . . . even on the obese people and smokers: How's that for politically incorrect? 😆 Mild social ostracism was one element of the complex of things that have reduced smoking from "nearly everyone" to around 15% (US) over a few decades).
I would add that it isn't just that people won't do it... there are a lot of people out there who are 300-400+ lbs. and actually believe they are a healthy weight. Such people would see these ads and conclude that it doesn't apply to them.6 -
-
corinasue1143 wrote: »I’m surprised some of the pill pusher companies haven’t jumped on the bandwagon with “buy our pills and lose weight today to
Fight complications of Covid” or something similar.
All of the following are simpler and apply to more people:
"Buy our pills and avoid Covid"
"Buy our pills and lose weight".
KISS principle. If you're gonna lie anyway, still applies. /cynic
I think both of the above are already being used, out in the wild, usually with some "support immune system" nonsense in there for the first, and "with recommended diet & exercise program" in there for the second, to fend off the FDA. (US)3 -
Memphis has announced that since 1/4 of garbage pickup staff have Covid or are quarantined from being exposed to it they are no longer doing recycling but will pickup and treat recycling as trash. Total 444 garbagemen, I think it was 51 infected and 55 exposed.10
-
AlexandraFindsHerself1971 wrote: »I think part of the reason that obesity gets so much blowback is that weight isn't simple. It's about our relationship with food and pleasure and there's often a whole lot of trauma there. If you can't or won't treat the trauma, then the weight loss won't happen...and if it does, you'll put that weight back on quick. I watched that with my ex. He went into the hospital and spent three months in an induced coma and lost 150 pounds. Another 50-75 pounds, and he would have been at normal weight. And his response? He ate constantly and put it all back on in six months. Because he still had deep unresolved trauma around food.
And of course there's the fact that if you quit smoking, you are an ex-smoker and your risks go down from day one. Wash your clothes, and you don't smell any more. Give it a week to sweat out of your system and no one will smell it in your body. But I've been eating very carefully to lose weight for nearly an entire year, and I'm still fat. I'm not as fat as I was, but I'm still objectively fat, not normal, not skinny. It may take me another whole year, since I can't go to the gym cause COVID, so I have to do it all with diet. And you have to exist as fat while you're losing, and it's not like there's a sign "Don't harass me for my weight, I lost two pounds last week and twenty total so far!" over your head as you walk around in daily life.
People have to get their heads to the right point to work on weight and their relationship with food, and where that is is highly individual. COVID may do it for some. If it does, that's great. Whatever works.
I get plenty of exercise but haven't belonged to a gym since I moved in 2016 and didn't care for any of the gyms here. If you are interested in getting tips for being able to exercise without a gym, you could start a new thread for this topic
5 -
Theoldguy1 wrote: »missysippy930 wrote: »paperpudding wrote: »Theoldguy1 wrote: »paperpudding wrote: »Theoldguy1 wrote: »Small rant on public health messages on Covid. We hear wear masks, distance, wash hands and those with comorbidities are more susceptible to complications from Covid.
Where is the messaging to take positive steps to reduce comorbidities? Lose weight, positive steps for better nutrition, etc.
My answer to that would be because simple messages hit home.
If one tries to have a message about, for example, getting regular pap smears - one doesnt throw in getting regular FOBT's and regular general check ups and vaccinations, and surgery is open x time to do it and the turn around time for results is x and if result is positive or negative, x is next step and other relevant but TLDR and now nobody is getting any message at all.
Simple poster: get a pap smear every 5 years.
Simple poster, "lose weight, reduce your chance of complications from Covid".
Yes if that is the main message you want to convey.
However it seems a secondary message to me..
If we want the message of masks, hand washing, social distancing hitting home, then dont muddy the waters with secondary messages.
Posters work better when simple and direct.
I totally agree❤️
And if you want a secondary message to resonate with people, don’t single, one comorbidity out. List them all. There’s a lot of risk factors that can cause severe cases of covid leading to death. Even if there is a high number of deaths among overweight people who have died from covid. It’s not the only preexisting factor, or the only preventable one.
Let’s not forget the survivors of covid who are suffering from neurological disorders, some from very mild cases of covid. Take into consideration long term affects from surviving covid may be appearing well into the future. No one knows for sure.
The single best preventative measure, face covering, social distancing, and hand washing. Most everyone can, and should, be complying with this.
Take the time to read this article about what caregivers in ICU units are going through. It’s heartbreaking.
https://apple.news/ArQx9d9CfSvKqfRyNx7DLtw
From the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html
"Adults of any age with the following conditions are at increased risk of severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19:
Cancer
Chronic kidney disease
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant
Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher but < 40 kg/m2)
Severe Obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2)
Pregnancy
Sickle cell disease
Smoking
Type 2 diabetes mellitus"
Please review the list, the only factors one can directly control are obesity, smoking and pregnancy. Other than cancer and sickle cell anemia the other risk factors are all made more severe by obesity.
Never have I said that face coverings, distancing, etc. should be ignored or messaging reduced. My point is losing weight, quitting smoking and improving the nutritional content of one's diet are realistically the only things an individual can do to make the impact of the disease less severe if one should contract it. This fact should be publicized.
I'm well aware of the sufferings of our health care professionals ands pray for them daily. Wouldn't it be nice if there was messaging out there that working on obesity and quitting smoking would result in less serious cases and less load on the health care providers? Perhaps someone at the start of all this would have worked on weight loss and would be 50 pounds lighter they would be quarantining in home due to improved health rather than in an ICU bed if blunt messaging about the impact of obesity and smoking was out there early.
Or are we just concerned with misplaced political correctness?
"Support public messaging to reduce obesity because of Covid" and "misplaced political correctness" are far from the only thought-options here.
I'm team "would be a waste of money because people are not responsive to messages like that", mostly. We don't have the money to do every theoretically good thing. I'd priortize the things that are likely to work on actual humans, in significant numbers. "Lose weight to limit Covid severity" is not one of those, IMO. ROI = terrible, I think.
Nothing "politically correct" about it . . . pretty cynical, in fact.
("Stay away from obese people and smokers because if you infect them they'll die" might be *slightly* more effective . . . even on the obese people and smokers: How's that for politically incorrect? 😆 Mild social ostracism was one element of the complex of things that have reduced smoking from "nearly everyone" to around 15% (US) over a few decades).
I'm agreeing with this.
Factually, it is probably completely correct that if someone began successfully managing their weight day 1 of this thing, they'd be -- in my cases -- lighter enough to make a difference. Knowing that is factually true doesn't really do much that is practical when you're looking at the difficulties of persuading people to begin managing their weight in the midst of unprecedented economic, social, political, and educational stress.
It's less about political correctness, it's more about absolutely limited bandwidth in all our systems. Even in the best and uncomplicated times, we struggle as a society with weight management and supporting people while they do it. Now we've got parents juggling full time work with full time child care, people who don't even know when they'll get back to work, high levels of food insecurity, and masses of people who refuses to believe that this virus is even a real threat, let alone one that is made riskier by obesity.8 -
For the person who wondered why Type 1 diabetes is not on the list of predisposing conditions. Type 1 diabetics is an autoimmune condition. Something causes the immune system to mistakenly attack a persons pancreatic tissue, it similar way to thyroid antibodies attack the thyroid and in MS its the nerve coatings which are damaged by the immune system. The problem is a reaction to something which is a close match for the persons tissue, its called, molecule mimicry. It is not unheard of for a person with one autoimmune condition to acquire others.0
-
For the person who wondered why Type 1 diabetes is not on the list of predisposing conditions. Type 1 diabetics is an autoimmune condition. Something causes the immune system to mistakenly attack a persons pancreatic tissue, it similar way to thyroid antibodies attack the thyroid and in MS its the nerve coatings which are damaged by the immune system. The problem is a reaction to something which is a close match for the persons tissue, its called, molecule mimicry. It is not unheard of for a person with one autoimmune condition to acquire others.
Yes, but that doesn't mean we T1D's will be ok if we get Covid. Since SARS-COV-2 relies on glycosalation of ACE2 receptors to enter cells, I would argue that T1D's are at higher risk because we get a higher viral load entering our cells. That is, unless we have non-diabetic BG's. Outside of Dr. Bernstein, most T1D's do not have non-diabetic BG's. In fact, I don't eat plants in order to imprive glycemic control and my last HbA1C was still 6.2% (better than most T1D's, but still not even close to non-diabetic).7 -
I'm surprised autoimmune conditions aren't on that list.0
-
"It's been 85 days since Queensland last recorded a COVID-19 case acquired in the community.
Thank you Queensland - keep it up!"
This was todays message from our Queensland Premiere. I really hope it stays that way since it looks like we won't start getting the vaccine till maybe March next year. It's wonderful so many Aussie though can visit family for Christmas now with so many boarders open interstate.
14 -
I'm 38 and severely obese (BMI >50). Covid was my wake-up call. I always thought I had time to lose weight and get healthy. Unfortunately, it took Covid for me to realize how precious time was, and that I may not make it through the year because of my weight.
The past several months I've lost a lot of weight (avg. 3-4lbs a week lost) and have made dramatic changes to my diet. However, although it's possible to lose weight you can't do it overnight. My reality is I will likely remain "high-risk" for the duration of this pandemic, even though I will continue to do my best to lose weight. I wish now, I began this weight loss journey earlier. All I can do is look ahead, and continue to hope and pray my family and I continue to avoid catching this terrible virus.
I wish there were more positive testimonials of overweight people who have recovered from COVID because the news can make you feel that if you catch it and are obese you die. It's a scary reality some of us have to live with despite knowing we have to change.
I hope you all stay safe and healthy.37 -
@glp2323
Congratulations on your success to date. Keep doing what you’re doing to get healthier. It’s an amazing gift to yourself and loved ones👏🏻
Follow the guidelines for what you can do to lessen the likelihood of getting the virus. Face covering, social distancing, hand washing, avoiding social gatherings outside of those you live with.
Hoping for the best for all.8 -
I'm 38 and severely obese (BMI >50). Covid was my wake-up call. I always thought I had time to lose weight and get healthy. Unfortunately, it took Covid for me to realize how precious time was, and that I may not make it through the year because of my weight.
The past several months I've lost a lot of weight (avg. 3-4lbs a week lost) and have made dramatic changes to my diet. However, although it's possible to lose weight you can't do it overnight. My reality is I will likely remain "high-risk" for the duration of this pandemic, even though I will continue to do my best to lose weight. I wish now, I began this weight loss journey earlier. All I can do is look ahead, and continue to hope and pray my family and I continue to avoid catching this terrible virus.
I wish there were more positive testimonials of overweight people who have recovered from COVID because the news can make you feel that if you catch it and are obese you die. It's a scary reality some of us have to live with despite knowing we have to change.
I hope you all stay safe and healthy.
Thanks for sharing and best of success.
In time I am starting to understand how it is foolish for me to be slamming others for not being PC in this Pandemic because I only have control over me.11 -
Not that this is probably news to most here, but ICU capacity is running out in a lot of places. My county has 3 beds left according to the map, but that is 74% full since we only have 14 beds total.
Intensive Care Beds Are Nearing Capacity Across the Country, New Data Shows https://nyti.ms/3n51mZG
Edit to add that I don't know how good these numbers are. Some places have been including NICU beds in the total because they are an ICU bed... but that doesn't help us adults.4 -
Theoldguy1 wrote: »missysippy930 wrote: »Theoldguy1 wrote: »missysippy930 wrote: »paperpudding wrote: »Theoldguy1 wrote: »paperpudding wrote: »Theoldguy1 wrote: »Small rant on public health messages on Covid. We hear wear masks, distance, wash hands and those with comorbidities are more susceptible to complications from Covid.
Where is the messaging to take positive steps to reduce comorbidities? Lose weight, positive steps for better nutrition, etc.
My answer to that would be because simple messages hit home.
If one tries to have a message about, for example, getting regular pap smears - one doesnt throw in getting regular FOBT's and regular general check ups and vaccinations, and surgery is open x time to do it and the turn around time for results is x and if result is positive or negative, x is next step and other relevant but TLDR and now nobody is getting any message at all.
Simple poster: get a pap smear every 5 years.
Simple poster, "lose weight, reduce your chance of complications from Covid".
Yes if that is the main message you want to convey.
However it seems a secondary message to me..
If we want the message of masks, hand washing, social distancing hitting home, then dont muddy the waters with secondary messages.
Posters work better when simple and direct.
I totally agree❤️
And if you want a secondary message to resonate with people, don’t single, one comorbidity out. List them all. There’s a lot of risk factors that can cause severe cases of covid leading to death. Even if there is a high number of deaths among overweight people who have died from covid. It’s not the only preexisting factor, or the only preventable one.
Let’s not forget the survivors of covid who are suffering from neurological disorders, some from very mild cases of covid. Take into consideration long term affects from surviving covid may be appearing well into the future. No one knows for sure.
The single best preventative measure, face covering, social distancing, and hand washing. Most everyone can, and should, be complying with this.
Take the time to read this article about what caregivers in ICU units are going through. It’s heartbreaking.
https://apple.news/ArQx9d9CfSvKqfRyNx7DLtw
From the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html
"Adults of any age with the following conditions are at increased risk of severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19:
Cancer
Chronic kidney disease
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant
Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher but < 40 kg/m2)
Severe Obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2)
Pregnancy
Sickle cell disease
Smoking
Type 2 diabetes mellitus"
Please review the list, the only factors one can directly control are obesity, smoking and pregnancy. Other than cancer and sickle cell anemia the other risk factors are all made more severe by obesity.
Never have I said that face coverings, distancing, etc. should be ignored or messaging reduced. My point is losing weight, quitting smoking and improving the nutritional content of one's diet are realistically the only things an individual can do to make the impact of the disease less severe if one should contract it. This fact should be publicized.
I'm well aware of the sufferings of our health care professionals ands pray for them daily. Wouldn't it be nice if there was messaging out there that working on obesity and quitting smoking would result in less serious cases and less load on the health care providers? Perhaps someone at the start of all this would have worked on weight loss and would be 50 pounds lighter they would be quarantining in home due to improved health rather than in an ICU bed if blunt messaging about the impact of obesity and smoking was out there early.
Or are we just concerned with misplaced political correctness?
Whose misplaced PC?
My husband is an essential worker. Six year cancer survivor with a slowly growing cancer at the sight of original cancer that was surgically removed. Being monitored at this time every three months for growth. Untreatable at the moment.
I’m well aware of the increased risks for people with existing conditions you so kindly pointed out to me.
Show a little compassion for others that aren’t able to live up to exalted standards others think they should be capable of overcoming.
Please wear face coverings and social distance. It’s not too much to ask.
Sorry for your family's issues. Of course wear masks and social distance, but also take steps that you personally can to make the impact of Covid less severe if one gets it.
Only problem is Covid doesn't feel real to someone until it becomes real for them. DH has tried to quit smoking so many times throughout his 69 years, it's unbelievable. His dad died from lung cancer; his mom had emphysema and lived with oxygen for many years. Even that hasn't made it real enough to him.
He *knows* the risks but he'll likely be caught in one of those scenarios eventually and only then think....why didn't I listen?
Sooo many people cannot do the change that hurtful habits need. Myself included. 16 -
I'm 38 and severely obese (BMI >50). Covid was my wake-up call. I always thought I had time to lose weight and get healthy. Unfortunately, it took Covid for me to realize how precious time was, and that I may not make it through the year because of my weight.
The past several months I've lost a lot of weight (avg. 3-4lbs a week lost) and have made dramatic changes to my diet. However, although it's possible to lose weight you can't do it overnight. My reality is I will likely remain "high-risk" for the duration of this pandemic, even though I will continue to do my best to lose weight. I wish now, I began this weight loss journey earlier. All I can do is look ahead, and continue to hope and pray my family and I continue to avoid catching this terrible virus.
I wish there were more positive testimonials of overweight people who have recovered from COVID because the news can make you feel that if you catch it and are obese you die. It's a scary reality some of us have to live with despite knowing we have to change.
I hope you all stay safe and healthy.
Kudos to you for making changes!!!
And I agree with you about the news being a bit more positive. But then maybe more people would feel it's nothing to be afraid of after all and go about their merry ways? IDK. I wish there was a way to put a positive spin on contracting it and doing better than you think you will, but I don't think this is a virus with any guarantees. Just wish it wasn't so scary and unknown Hopefully all that will change as we continue to learn, experience and find better treatments/vaccines. 3
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