I tried to think what would be helpful during this time of COVID-19 and social distancing. I decided to share three tips that may make life in social distancing a little better.
Tip 1. Do the Five to keep everyone safe.
- Hands: wash them often
- Elbow: cough into it
- Face: don’t touch it
- Space: keep a safe distance
- Home: stay if you can
Check out Dr. Hoover’s interpretive dance here.
Tip 2. Button up your mask.
Wearing face masks can often irritate the ears from constant pressure from ear loops. So, you can alternate these types of masks with homemade masks with cloth ties. Another option is to make a headband like the ones MA Cassandra made for our staff (modeled below by our lovely receptionist, Skye). Here is the video Cassandra used as inspiration.
Tip 3. Panty hose to the rescue.
People are making masks for themselves, friends, and loved ones which is thoughtful, fun and a great way to help others. A recent study from Northern Eastern University found using pantyhose can improve the effectiveness at keeping out harmful particles of any face mask.
Here is a quote from the study:
“The addition of a nylon stocking overlayer improved the removal efficiency for all loose-fitting masks, including commercial medical-type masks, by 15 to 50 percentage points and also decreased the time-based standard deviation (indicating more consistent particle removal); this provides a recommendation for mask efficacy improvement that can easily be implemented by individual mask wearers.”
Loretta Fernandez, Northern Eastern University
Researcher Loretta Fernandez of Northeastern University wears a homemade face mask without and with an extra outer layer made from nylon stockings (right). The added nylon outer layer significantly boosted masks’ ability to filter out small particles, her research found.
Gratitude for Our Staff and Community
I have been very been proud of our staff and our community. I want to express my deepest gratitude and support for my colleagues on the front lines in healthcare, the first responders, doctors, nurses, and ancillary staff taking care of COVID-19 patients. We have been honored to assist in the diagnosis of rashes caused COVID-19 and will continue to help in whatever role we are needed.
Please be safe and take care of yourself and loved ones.
-Aaron Hoover, MD