• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

Are shielding at home? Is it safe to leave for a walk?

corbanwolf

Active Member
Messages
40
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hey. Due to lack of exercise my blood glucose are not able to stay stable for long. They are either going up or going down. I used to take a long walks along the riverside or just hiking in some parks and random places. I used to walk for hours around the city but recently I have been shielding and leaving house only for grocery shopping. Is it safe to go for a walk or is it better to stay home and wait to get the vaccine or wait when everything settles down? I could do exercise at home but I have no equipment and not much space so there is not much I can do at home
 
In the scheme of things I am of the opinion going for a random walk is probably a lot better than grocery shopping, though the latter is often a need rather than a want.
I go for at least an hour walk a day and keep away from people, as do they me.
 

Hi,

I don't feel there is much of a risk regarding taking a walk in uncrowded areas.
Combining some exercise at an off peak time with grocery shopping could also reduce the risk?
Maybe structure the route for the walk then pick up some produce on the way back home? (Take a back pack. A little more ease & comfort with the shopping.)
 
We’re not shielding as such but my OH has a number of health issues which makes him vulnerable and we go for a walk most days - we’re lucky in that we live in a rural area so the roads aren’t that busy and, if we see someone coming, we cross to the other side of the road - if we know them, which is often the case, we still have a chat but stay on opposite sides of the road. Enjoy your walk and the fresh air.
 

As you go out to get food, you are allowed to go out for exercise., so I would carry on exercising. Keep your distance from others, you could wear a mask, if you wanted. too Exercise is so important, for the mind and the body.
 
Thanks for the replies. I know the higher risk is grocery shopping, but I do it only once week to minimize the danger and even then I always wear mask and leave distance between my and customers. Wanted to know your opinion. I will go for a walk probably tomorrow. I really need to go out, staying home makes me sick recently
 
Obviously the new more transmissible virus is worrying, but a quick visit to supermarket with everyone masked is only slightly higher risk - the scary one is sadly too much talking in close proximity indoors (i.e., what we used to think of as normal socialising). Health and mental benefits of a brisk walk outside everyday are huge, do keep in your daily routine if you can.
 
My personal view is that it is better to drive 3 or 4 miles out into the countryside (assuming that it is close) and walk with nobody within 100 yards than to start and end at your doorstep with people within 100 feet (or much less).

It must be difficult for people who live in the middle of a city, with limited options, or who don't have a car.

Getting out for exercise can be beneficial to mental health as well.
 
Probably doesn't work for many suburban based people. I could drive 4 miles and still struggle to find a permissible path that I would not be in close contact with lots of people including unmasked children - now known vectors for latest super spreading UK virus. But the stronger the gales, the safer the external environment? Some painful weeks ahead...
.
 
I walk every day and enjoy it - it is good for my physical and mental health. As long as it is not crowded you should be fine and just keep your distance from others and if it makes you feel safer wear a mask. Imo it is a lot safer to go out for a socially distanced walk than go to the supermarket. I do both but do what we have been advised to do to protect myself and others and just be very careful.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn More.…