Overcoming 4 Objections to Wearing a Face Mask
Information about how COVID-19 spreads have changed rapidly over the past few months. The WHO and CDC have examined new data, their recommendations have evolved. Both now advise face masks for anyone out in public. The state of Ohio also recommends the wearing of face masks to help prevent the spread of the virus.
All of us at Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland understand many folks aren’t happy about wearing a face mask. As restrictions are lifted and we’re leaving our homes more often, it’s important to consider the recommendations of health experts.
Here’s some information that may help you overcome objections to face masks:
- “It doesn’t help.” Any face-covering does prevent the spread of disease to some extent. A cotton mask won’t filter out pathogens as well as a medical-grade mask. However, experts agree it’s better than no covering at all.
- “I’m not infected.” You may not be infected, but wearing a mask will help prevent you from breathing in someone else’s infected droplets. Also, you may be infected but haven’t yet shown symptoms.
- “It hurts my ears.” Switch to a type of mask that doesn’t loop around your ears. There are styles that tie in the back, have elastic straps that lie on top of the head and around the neck or attach to buttons on a headband.
- “It fogs up my glasses.” Glasses fog up because your mask directs your warm, moist breath directly upward and into the lenses. Here are some easy fixes:
- Before putting on your eyeglasses, wash the lenses with a dab of shampoo or soap.
- Eliminate gaps at the top of your mask by using one with an adjustable metal nose piece or by folding down the top portion of the mask for a snugger fit. Just make sure it still covers your nose.
- Tuck a folded tissue into your mask to absorb the moisture from your breath.
Our expert podiatrists, Dr. Craig B. Frey and Dr. Megan L. Oltmann offer these tips because we’re interested in the overall health of the patients we serve in Geauga, Cuyahoga, Summit, and Portage Counties. But our focus and passion are on foot and ankle health. For a prompt, accurate diagnosis of your foot or ankle pain, call our office in Solon, Ohio at (440) 903-1041 or contact us online for an appointment.
