The coronavirus pandemic has changed the lives of people all over the world – needless to say, it has done so for the worse. A tiny virus which no one can see has impacted the lives of mankind in a very visible way. People are now genuinely aware of their mortality.
The coronavirus has closed schools, churches and to a lesser extent, nightclubs and bars. It has caused humans to become more hygienic and more careful of their surroundings. But what’s worse about the coronavirus season is that you have to treat everyone as though they have a contagious disease – and they most likely do.
On the 29th of May, 2020, during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, I left Guyana, South America for neighboring Brazil. At that time, many people were shocked at this move because Guyana had barely about 100 confirmed cases while Brazil had just been declared the new epicenter of the coronavirus with more than 500,000 confirmed cases. Many people asked if I was crazy. But of course, I knew what I was doing and the mask under my chin was only a showcase to appease the law.
When I arrived in Boa Vista in the state of Roraima, Brazil, almost everyone was wearing a mask. In fact, the law required that you wear a mask before entering a hotel or a store and all employees were required to have their masks on. Personally, I felt that wearing a mask was a bit uncomfortable and I kept mine below the chin except when I was in a crowded environment or talking to someone.
When I arrived in Campo Verde, Mato Grosso, which is about 6 hours away from Boa Vista by plane, the situation was the same and the law required that you had a mask on even when walking the streets. I complied, but I kept mine below the chin and if the police stopped me, I told them that I had just pulled it down to take a “breather.”
Wearing a mask when walking slowly, standing, sitting or performing very light tasks is not a problem. But wearing a mask when working out or performing strenuous exercises poses serious health risks.
Walking the streets of Campo Verde, Mato Grosso, I saw many people on the streets. Almost all of them had their masks on. Some were walking, some were riding and others were driving vehicles. I walked past a gym and saw three young women working out using weights. They had masks on. I became alarmed. Did these people understand the dangers they were exposing themselves to? I wanted to go into the gym and hold up a notice to them that exercising with a mask on is hazardous to one’s health.
But I thought twice about it. Would they believe me? After all, I was just a tourist in the city. And furthermore, I was not a doctor. Of course, I might try explaining that I’m a writer and many writers have in depth medical knowledge, but that’s a whole other debate by itself.
Walking along the streets of Campo Verde, I saw people running, cycling and performing all sorts of exercises with face masks flush over their noses and mouths. And this was dangerous, but they weren’t aware of exactly how dangerous it is. And it is for this reason that I decided to write this article which I will translate into Portuguese and share with the Brazilian community.
Man Collapses While Jogging with Face Mask
The story of the man whose lung collapsed while jogging with a face mask on is one that is certain to raise some alarm bells and eyebrows. And it also prompts us to do some scientific research into the dangers of exercising with face mask.
A 26 years old man had been jogging in Wuhan City, China for two miles. He was wearing a mask. He started having breathing difficulties. Then he collapsed and was rushed to the hospital. There it was discovered that he had a punctured lung. Medical professionals concluded that running with the face mask on is what caused the lung to burst.
Youth Dies While Exercising with Face Mask
The story of a young boy who died while performing exercises with a face mask on has taken the internet by storm.
Exercising with Masks On Decreases Airflow to the Lungs
Naturally, wearing a mask decreases airflow to the lungs. This in turn leads to less oxygen to the bloodstream and muscles. This is turn makes it more difficult for your body to convert glucose into energy. When you exercise, the problem is accentuated since the body demands more energy and a more rapid flow of oxygen.
Exercising with Masks Causes Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
We breathe in oxygen, but the spent air is exhaled as a dangerous waste product called carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is essentially a poison. When exercising with masks on, much of that carbon dioxide is trapped within that mask, making the air you breathe a mixture of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
So What’s the Alternative?
The alternative to exercising with face masks on is to find a secluded location where a face mask is not required. For now, until the coronavirus pandemic is over, you can find an isolated location in your home or backyard to work out. Avoid jogging in the streets where someone is likely to breathe out coronavirus into your face, and avoid exercising in locations which force you to wear a mask.
Disclaimer: This article contains the opinion of the author at the time of writing. It is not professional medical advice. The author’s opinion is subject to change without notice.