By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org
Even with 90-degree weather scheduled for this week, now is not the time to stop wearing masks according to local health officials.
As cases of COVID-19 rise throughout the world — the number of confirmed COVID cases worldwide is more than 10 million with the U.S. reporting more than 2.5 million COVID cases — one of the biggest preventatives is wearing a mask, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
According to the CDC website, cloth face coverings are recommended as “a simple barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people when the person wearing the cloth face covering coughs, sneezes, talks or raises their voice.”
“For outdoor gatherings, masking remains key in preventing transmission,” said Doreen Marcinek, manager of infection prevention at Spectrum Health. “If unable to mask for health reasons, social distancing of at least 6 feet is recommended.”
It’s all about the fabric
During warms days, Marcinek recommends wearing a cotton mask as it may be more comfortable. Cotton is a more breathable option than other fabrics, but it can also absorb sweat, which could cause issues on hot and humid days. Marcinek said she encourages people to carry a couple of masks with them so they can switch the masks out if one does become saturated.
Another light weight option are masks made form bamboo. According to The Miami Herald, bamboo is 40 percent more absorbent that organic cotton fabrics and it can absorb up to three times its weight in liquid. Bamboo is known for its insulation properties, allowing it to be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. It is hypoallergenic and eco-friendly. Also because of its antibacterial properties, its is less likely to develop an order.
Remember that lighter colors, white and pastels, tend to reflect ultraviolet rays and will be cooler than wearing darker colors such as black or dark blue.
If you can’t breathe, remove the mask
According to the CDC, if a person is having trouble breathing, it is OK to remove a mask. When the mask is removed, the person should adhere to the six feet of social distancing.
In fact, the CDC recommends the following people not wear masks:
- Children 2 and under
- Anyone who has trouble breathing
- Anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the cloth face covering without assistance.
There are other reasons as well for people not to wear masks, such as those who are hard of hearing and rely on reading lips and those who work in manufacturing where the strings of the mask could get caught in the machinery. For the list, click here.
Skin care important
A mask should cover the nose and the chin. Megan VanderMaas, a physician assistant at Metro Health Cosmetic Treatment Center said there are no special tricks or ways to wear a mask without compromising the integrity and fit of it.
“Wearing a mask for long hours you are bound to get irritation, potential acne, redness, etc.,” VanderMaas said. One of the thing she would recommend is keeping the face clean and free of make up. The makeup can build up under the mask and clog the pores. Washing the face in the morning and night will help remove any dirt and oils from the day.
VanderMaas said after wearing a mask, try putting on products that will help soothe and calm any area with irritation. Also making sure the skin is well hydrated and try to avoid harsh products that may irritate the skin more, she said.
Wash and repeat
Make sure to wash you cotton masks. The CDC recommends that cotton masks be washed daily and allowed to dry completely before wearing again.
Many publications recommend that you wash your mask in hot water and use high heat to dry to eliminate as many germs as possible. Also ironing a mask after washing will help to eliminate germs as well.
Basic health tips in dealing with hot weather
Our health experts mentioned that when the heat and humidity are high to take the normal precautions to avoid overheating or heat stroke. From the Metro Health – University of Michigan Health website:
- Stay indoors and away from the sun.
- If you must work outdoors, drink plenty of water and take breaks in the shade.
- Wear light colored clothing that is lightweight and loose fitting and wear a hat.
