Avri Gilad Returns to Gym Amidst Facial Paralysis, Urges Activity
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Israeli host Avri Gilad, 63, is exercising in the gym despite suffering from facial paralysis, urging others not to rest during difficult times. He revealed his condition in November, experiencing sudden paralysis on one side of his face. Gilad has returned to his television show, advocating for continued activity as a way to manage his recovery from Bell's palsy.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Avri Gilad, 63, is exercising in the gym despite suffering from facial paralysis.
- He believes activity, not rest, is crucial for recovery from illness.
- Gilad revealed his condition of half-face paralysis in November.
- He has returned to hosting his television show "Avri and Shariki".
- Medical experts have not confirmed a link between gum chewing and his condition.
Israeli television host Avri Gilad has shared a video of himself working out at the gym, despite his ongoing medical condition. Gilad, 63, who revealed in November that he woke up with half of his face paralyzed, is pushing back against advice to rest during his recovery.
In a social media post, Gilad explained his philosophy: "People tell me to rest, and that's really bad advice. Because when there's difficulty, excuses immediately start: Why not train? Why not move? Why fall into sickness time? No, no, no, no. Precisely during such a difficult time, you need to train even harder. To tell the body 'everything is okay, heal,' because we need to reorganize our strength."
Gilad first disclosed his condition on the "Tendu" podcast, hosted with Rabbi Mordechai Gottlieb, describing how he noticed his face was "completely crooked" after waking up. He underwent medical tests and began medication but was unsure of a full recovery. While he speculated that intensive gum chewing might have contributed, medical experts stated there is no proven scientific link between gum chewing and the syndrome.
Despite the diagnosis, Gilad has continued his television work. The day after revealing his condition, he announced his intention to return to his show "Avri and Shariki" on Keshet 12 with Yair Shariki, stating, "The face is crooked, but reality is more crooked and one must deal with it to straighten it out."
Bell's palsy, the condition Gilad is experiencing, causes sudden weakness or paralysis of facial muscles, typically on one side, potentially leading to difficulties with speech, smiling, and closing the eye. While many recover within weeks to months, some experience lasting effects. Gilad's message about training reflects his personal approach and is not a medical recommendation to increase exertion during illness.
