Please Don't Hoard Hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine is receiving a lot of press for its use in treating some of the symptoms of COVID-19.  So much so that it's starting to be hoarded by people who see it as a viable self-treatment tool should they become infected with SARS-CoV2.  

How are people even getting access to hydroxychloroquine?  Through prescriptions written by doctors and dentists.  Yes, some doctors and dentists are hoarding it for themselves, but they are also writing prescriptions for family and friends who want to have a stash of it just in case.

Hydroxychloroquine is an antimalarial drug that is essential to managing chronic health conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.  It may also be an essential part of the treatment plan for people experiencing severe respiratory distress from COVID-19.  So please do not look to hoard it, as a supply shortage would be disastrous for those who really need it.

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This may be self evident to most, but please know that all evidence points to moderate intensity exercise being far superior to prolonged high intensity exercise in supporting immune function and even recovery from respiratory illness.  

Put another way, it's better for your lungs, heart, and overall health to take a brisk walk and do gentle mobility exercises and yoga than it is to do anything that resembles Rocky Balboa running up a snow-capped mountain.  

For those who need support from the medical literature to take such a principle seriously, please see:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2803113/

That's all for today, though I will continue to stay on top of developments with COVID-19 and share pertinent updates.  Let's all continue to do our best to protect our health care workers, first responders, the elderly, and those who have pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular challenges by respecting social distancing.

With best wishes for safe and healthy days,

Ben