[Click! Health] COVID-19 Daily Life Recovery Period... Beware of 'This Disease'

Life Accustomed to COVID-19... Joint Health, Excessive Drinking, and Interpersonal Relationship Alerts

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] As the COVID-19 pandemic shifts into a declining phase, daily life is gradually recovering. However, the term 'endemic blue'?referring to the depression associated with returning to normal life after becoming accustomed to living with COVID-19?has emerged, indicating that returning to pre-pandemic routines is not always easy. There are several precautions to keep in mind for a healthy recovery of daily life.

Joint Warning Due to Increased Outdoor Activities

Outdoor activities, which had been restrained, are increasing. With the vacation season coinciding, plans for postponed travel and leisure activities are expected to make outdoor activities more active. However, for those whose activity levels decreased during COVID-19, sudden excessive physical exertion can strain various parts of the body and easily lead to injuries, so caution is necessary.

The most vulnerable area to injury during outdoor activities is the knee joint. Professor An Ji-hyun of the Orthopedics Department at Gangbuk Samsung Hospital stated, "There is an increase in meniscus tears caused by sudden ruptures due to excessive activities such as abrupt jumping or overexertion without sufficient stretching and muscle strengthening exercises." She added, "If knee pain persists when squatting or walking on stairs, meniscus tears should be suspected."

In the early stages of knee pain, reducing exercise and taking anti-inflammatory painkillers can help differentiate from knee sprains or tendinitis. However, if pain persists despite conservative treatment for 3 to 4 weeks, an MRI should be performed to confirm meniscus tears, and an appropriate treatment plan should be established with expert assistance.

Professor An advised, "To prevent meniscus tears, it is necessary to sufficiently stretch and relax the knee joint before starting activities. If pain occurs after activity, visit a hospital to accurately diagnose the cause. Maintaining knee health requires consistent muscle strengthening exercises and lifestyle improvements."

Resumption of Company Dinners... Beware of Excessive Drinking

Along with the recovery of daily life, various company dinners and drinking gatherings suppressed during COVID-19 are increasing. Recently, the term 'revenge drinking' has emerged as drinking occasions tend to involve excessive alcohol consumption, raising concerns about various health problems.

Professor Son Won of the Gastroenterology Department at Gangbuk Samsung Hospital explained, "Excessive drinking produces a substance called 'acetaldehyde' during alcohol metabolism, which circulates through blood vessels causing various toxic reactions and can lead to diseases such as hepatitis, pancreatitis, and cardiomyopathy."

Professor Son advised, "If drinking is unavoidable, it is best to consume less than half of your usual amount and drink as slowly as possible. Avoid drinking alcohol without side dishes, and drink plenty of water or beverages during drinking sessions."

He added, "Mixing different types of alcohol or drinking hangover cures slows down alcohol metabolism and should be avoided."

Interpersonal Relationship Warning Due to Resumption of Face-to-Face Activities

As attendance at various ceremonies and unwanted gatherings increases, many people report fatigue and stress. Children accustomed to online classes may refuse to go to school out of fear, and office workers used to remote work may experience psychological burdens related to interpersonal relationships, facing difficulties in social interactions.

Professor Cho Sung-joon of the Department of Psychiatry at Gangbuk Samsung Hospital said, "Many people complain of 'cave syndrome,' where staying at home feels more comfortable due to difficulties in interpersonal relationships." He advised, "Starting by meeting the closest and most comfortable people can help you adapt more easily than expected."

Professor Cho added, "If chronic depression develops, it can cause significant difficulties in daily life. If you experience pathological anxiety beyond normal social anxiety, seeking help from a doctor is also a good option."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.