Wearing Face Masks Very Important Even In Warmer Weather

Health officials say wearing a mask, even in warm weather is strongly encouraged. I have seen tons of people in the last month not wearing any type of mask at all not even a bandana.

St. Luke's Chief Medical Officer, and Emergency Physician Dr. Nick Van Deelen spoke with WDIO and said “The benefits to masking to both us and those around us certainly outweighs the potential risk Individuals who have underlying heart or lung disease, who have trouble breathing at baseline, if you start feeling lightheaded, dizzy, short of breath, or overheating, you should take the mask off."

I know for myself personally when I first started wearing a mask I had some pretty bad anxiety and had a hard time breathing, but the more I have worn it the easier it has gotten. I am lucky though in that I only have to wear a mask when I go into public buildings unlike some people who have to wear a mask all day long.

Given the fact that it is getting warmer wearing a mask can be a little more uncomfortable to wear so here are some suggestions on what to do. Dr. Andrea Boehland, Essentia Health Emergency Room Physician spoke with WDIO about wearing masks in warm weather:

Masks are very important, even in the heat.
A natural fabric such as cotton or bamboo is good at catching germs and is less uncomfortable than synthetic material in the heat.
Lighter colors are more comfortable in warmer temperatures because they absorb less heat from the sun.
Consider bringing more than one mask with you, so that if your first one gets sweaty, you have a fresh replacement.
If you have to remove your mask, make sure you’re six feet away from those around you.

So if you are in an area where it is very crowded like the beach or Canal Park, even though it is warm, please practice social distancing and wear a mask to protect yourself and others.