HUNTINGTON, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) By now, chances are youve heard of the COVID 10 or Quarantine 15. Maybe youve gained the pounds.
To help their neighbors get healthy, a group of professionals from Huntington wants to put the whole town on a diet.
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For a group of ladies of Long Island, walking in picturesque Hecksher Park offers respite from the coronavirus pandemic.
No matter whats going on we have this, said Kerry St. George, of Northport, New York.
I came out here to take care of my head, said Tina Sundberg, of Centerport, New York.
Ive been putting on the pounds, St. George told CBS2s Vanessa Murdock.
Shes not alone.
Huntington Town Clerk Andrew Raia says hes gained the COVID 10.
If we go any longer, Im going to be in that 15, he said.
Raia blames the stress of the situation; he signs the death certificates.
Wednesday, Raia joined Dr. William Spencer, a practicing physician and Suffolk County legislator, Dr. David Buchin, head of Bariatric Surgery at Huntington Hospital, and trainer Phil Sottile, founder of Intelligent Fitness, to announce a voluntary diet for the Town of Huntington.
Obesity is a major issue in our country and one of the reasons why our country has such a problem with COVID-19, Buchin said.
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According to a study by Northwell Health, of all patients hospitalized because of COVID-19, 42% are obese.
COVID-19 has a much greater impact on people with co-morbid conditions, things such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma. All of these things are associated with obesity, Spencer said.
Spencer says its time to take stock of whats in the fridge, exercise, get ample sleep and hydrate.
To help Huntington residents get on track, a free program is now accessible through the LI Obesity Surgery Facebook page. Youll find a healthy lifestyle program, live discussions, free exercise and yoga classes from Intelligent Fitness.
We crashed an entire economy because of the importance of health and wellness. Lets not let this moment pass us by, Sottile said.
Look at staying home as an opportunity to reshape your lifestyle and your body, too.
See more here:
Huntington Officials Offer Town Diet To Combat COVID 10 Weight Gain, Keep Residents Healthy - CBS New York
