Finally, here in Ireland, we have come to the end of our Level 5 lockdown and sports, training and leisure centres have begun to reopen.

As many of us are eager to return to our much-loved activities, there are some essential factors to consider to return in a physically safe manner, to avoid injury and get the most out of your exercise sessions. After weeks of not hitting the gym or maintaining your usual training regimen, it is crucial to return gradually to avoid injury.

Consider the following scenario:

You are a fit and active 65-year-old man; you play golf once a week and tennis twice a week. Your right knee has been creaking for a few years, and during the previous few weeks has become very sore, swollen and stiff. Your knee is now slowing you down, affecting your enjoyment of sport and exercise. You are waking with pain in the mornings and finding it slower to get up and going.

You consult an experienced chartered physiotherapist who, following a thorough clinical assessment, diagnoses you with medial compartmental knee osteoarthritis. Your physiotherapist provides a course of treatment which reduces your pain levels by 60% and improves the mobility and strength of your knee. A good result, but not quite enough to get you back to playing golf and tennis comfortably. What next?

Osteoarthritis affects on average one in two people. Presently, people are being diagnosed with OA at a much earlier age than in previous years. More premature onset osteoarthritis may be a reflection of changes in activity levels, diet and other lifestyle factors.

As a result, it is predicted that in ten years, there will be seven times more osteoarthritis related to total knee replacement surgeries performed by orthopaedic surgeons.

According to the orthopaedic consultant, Mihai Vioreanu, preservation of the knee joint is critical. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends:

• Low impact aerobic exercises such as cycling, swimming and walking
• Weight loss if necessary
• Building strength, balance and flexibility around the knee joints.
• Correct use of anti-inflammatory medication, when indicated.

Pelvic Health in both men and women is a topic that deserves much more attention in today's society. 

If you have asthma, you are among those considered to be at a higher risk during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is important to note that being in the ‘high-risk’ category does not mean you are more likely to catch the virus; instead, it means that you are at higher risk of serious illness if you do contract it.

It is therefore vital for asthmatics to take the necessary precautions to keep themselves safe during this time.

The outbreak of COVID-19 has the potential to affect more people from a mental health perspective than a physical one.

This novel disease brings with it a wave of uncertainty and a big disruption to our daily routines, which can cause many to feel fearful, anxious and stressed.

We are constantly hearing of new cases, business closures, isolation and an unknown future- which can understandably take a toll on anyone's mental health.

It's at times like this when we must do all we can to mind our mental health- but how?