“Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person's physical, emotional, and mental states.”
Tuberculosis and Exercise:
TB is caused by bacteria that most often affects the lungs. Although TB is preventable and can be cured, treatment involves numerous antibiotics taken for a prolonged period of time. TB is transmitted through the air, therefore a person can inhale these germs and ultimately become infected.
Persons at higher risk for TB:
TB and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) epidemics are closely related. Antiretroviral therapy is known to help improve mortality rates in those who are infected by both TB and HIV. Furthermore, drug users (especially IV drug abuse), diabetics, persons with kidney disease, silicosis and children or elderly with weakened immune system are at a high risk of developing TB.
The Role of Exercise: Studies have proven that exercise can be effective, even if just used as a coping mechanism in the management of TB. The physiological effects of exercise such as a decrease in ventilation demand as well as a decrease in the level of blood lactic acid, result in an improved aerobic metabolism of the muscles, successively lessening fatigue. Psychologically, exercise can increase motivation, decrease fear of breathing difficulties, as well as decreasing the prevalence of depression.
CONTACT:
Colleen:
Tel. 067 307419
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