Unhealthy behaviors associated with poorer outcomes from COVID-19 infections

The American Journal of Medicine recently published an article recognizing the link between unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and the one million COVID-19 deaths in the United States. Dr. Carl "Chip" Lavie, Medical Director Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention at the John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute was a senior author on this manuscript.

In 2022, the United States surpassed one million COVID-19 related deaths. The publication states there is a significant association between unhealthy behaviors and conditions such as low physician activity, obesity, diabetes and smoking, and poorer outcomes from COVID-19 infections.

Clinicians have long been aware of the link between increased mortality rates and unhealthy lifestyles. Individuals who live sedentary lives with poor eating habits and multiple chronic conditions are always more prone to negative health outcomes."

Dr. Carl "Chip" Lavie, Medical Director Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention at the John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute

The article explains that the current state of health outcomes has been building for decades and should be considered a syndemic, which is the simultaneous occurrence of two prevalent health conditions or endemics. In this article, the authors compare geographic maps of the Unites States outlining COVID-19 deaths, several lifestyle behaviors, obesity, and chronic conditions. With this, a pattern is evident and quite alarming for medical professionals.

"The reality of this comparison should be quite eye-opening for many," said Lavie. "The only way to combat the syndemic we are experiencing is to promote healthy lifestyles and address the health needs of all, especially those in underserved communities who have been disproportionately impacted by poor outcomes related to chronic conditions and COVID-19."

Source:
Journal reference:

Arena, R., et al. (2022) Mapping One Million COVID-19 Deaths and Unhealthy Lifestyle Behaviors in the United States: Recognizing the Syndemic Pattern and Taking Action. The American Journal of Medicine. doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2022.06.006.

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.

You might also like...
Link between COVID-19 and long-term risk of autoimmune and autoinflammatory connective tissue disorders