The Phantom of the Mask, the Myths!

THE SWEDISH MODEL OF 'PREVENTION' :THE RECENT INCREASE IN COVID CASES Do masks work? In a word Yes! But before we get into the myths surrounding the wearing of masks let’s talk about preventive measures in general. Yes, the same ones I have been harping on for 4 months now. The good old social distancing, hand washing, hands off the face and hand sanitizer stuff. How do we know they work? Well, first let’s look at Sweden. Sweden has captured international attention by conducting an unorthodox, open-air experiment. It has allowed the world toexamine what happens in a pandemic when a government does not institute rules. Sweden was the only Scandinavian country that decided not to lockdown or quarantine when the corona virus hit Europe. This is what has happened: Not only have thousands more people died than in neighboring countries, thatimposed lockdowns, but Sweden’s economy did not fare better. Per million people, Sweden has suffered 40 percent more deaths than the United States. Sweden who chose not to lockdown, has 358 deaths per million compared to Norway 44, Finland 53 and Denmark 93 (The US is 267 per million and rising). But Sweden’s grim result showed that a failure to impose social distancing, costs lives, jobs and does not stop the economic consequences of Covid. This disaster is now playing out in the United States, there are states particularly in the South that decided to follow the ‘Swedish model’. Florida for instance currently has 7,000 people in the hospital and has had 4241 deaths and the numbers are rising daily, exponentially. Texas is another state with complete disregard for social distancing. Maryland on the other hand, where masks and social distancing is mandated, continues to have a decline in hospitalizations (Current total 410, ICU 143). Please do not quit while you are ahead! Here we are 4 months in and we are still on high alert, with numbers rising in areas were people insist on being in denial. Who would have thought that because of such lack of political leadership this would still be going on? Even China were it began has pretty much gone back to normal. My neighbor told me a joke the other day: The patient asks the doctor : “Hey Doc how long is this Covid  problem going to last?”  The doctor says:  “I don’t know, I’m not that much into politics!” THE MYTHS OF THE MASK: "Wearing a mask is accepting defeat" : False, it is a sign that you are a responsible citizen. "Wearing a mask implies you are a ‘Liberal’":False, last I checked anyone, of any political persuasion can be infected (and die). Carbon dioxide from exhaling gets trapped under the cloth and can make you sick.  False: this is not true, false science. "Cloth face masks are not effective." False: they create a barrier between your mouth and nose and those around you. This makes it more difficult for the droplets that spread coronavirus through coughs, sneezes and talking to reach other people. Cloth masks are highly effective for the general public. According to the CDC, a cloth face mask needs to have the following in order to be fully effective: ·      Cover both your nose and mouth ·      Fit snugly but comfortably against the sides of the face ·      Be secured with ties or ear loops ·      Have multiple layers of fabric ·      Allow for unrestricted breathing ·      Able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or shape changes "If you've had coronavirus, you don't need a mask". False: If you've had coronavirus before or had an antibody test come up positive, you may believe that you don't need to wear a mask. Unfortunately, at this time, there is no way to know whether having coronavirus once provides immunity from the virus infection again or how long that your immunity might last. This means that you could potentially catch the disease again and spread it to others. Everyone should wear a cloth mask when in public unless they have breathing problems, are under age two, or can't remove the mask without assistance. "You don't need to wear a mask outside". False: At this time, being outside is generally considered safer than being inside. When taking a stroll or participating in other outdoor activities by yourself or with people you live with, a mask isn't required. However, when you find it difficult to maintain at least six feet of distance from people you don't live with – such as passing someone on a sidewalk or eating out at a restaurant – it's important to have your mask on. You should always have your mask on hand when you leave your home. Everyday health in extraordinary times: We are staying open so you can stay healthy! We have special protocols in place in the office to keep you safe and minimal waiting. No walk-ins. Anyone who doesn’t have a mask waits in their car until their appointment. Extra sanitation procedures daily and hand sanitizer for everyone! Come on in! It’s a great time to lose weight especially with our 10% off sale on the Weight Reduction Program. You have plenty of time to focus on your goal (and quit snacking). Other reasons why this is a good time to visit the doctor: Make self care a priority so you can be there for your family and handle your responsibilities better. Schedule that physical exam and pap smear you can never get around to when you are working. Keep your medications up to date and current prescriptions refilled. Pick up your Vitamin C, D and zinc, Echinacea Take off that mole you have been worried about. Get your shots updated. Get a cosmetic consultation. Balance your hormones so you can handle stress. Last but not least manage those co-morbidities that put you at higher risk of Covid-19