Lifestyle

To mask or not to mask?

A few months ago, when the Coronavirus just started, public health officials have been unyielding in their stance that healthy people should not wear masks until the virus started to spread at a rapid race. With the amount of people being affected by others with  no apparent symptoms,  the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  recommended that everyone wear nonmedical face coverings in public settings.

Although wearing a mask while in public might decrease the chance of catching the virus, it is important that  masks should not replace social distancing and hand washing. Which in my opinion are best ways to flatten the curve.

While our leaders are advocating for mask now, there is quite a shortage around the world and masks are just impossible to find. Our healthcare heroes  can’t even have medical  supplies readily available to the point that CDC had encouraged them to use bandanas; meaning you probably have to make one yourself if you need it. This is why Presiii.com pledges to give over 100 in free masks to the frontliners as a token of love.

In addition to a fabric face mask in public, simple infection control measures such as proper cough/ sneeze etiquette, social distancing, good old hand washing are very effective and important for prevention. When you cover your face pretty thoroughly from your mouth to your nose, you are preventing large aerosol droplets coming out or going in.

The highest-quality masks — called N95 respirator masks  should be reserved for emergency responders who are regularly exposed to high viral loads from infected patients. If the N95 is not available alternative such as KN95, NIOSK 95 in case the N95 isn’t available.  If you wear an N95 or KN95, both elastics must be worn to ensure secure fit and it defeats the purpose if you’re not wearing the elastics right.

Surgical masks are used by emergency responders as well as the public, preventing about 95% of virus, 80% of bacteria, and dust pollen. Do not pull the mask down to expose your nose; it defeats the purpose of it.

Fabric masks: Masks can prevent bacteria, pollen and dust from 0-50%. That is why it’s important to add filler into your masks for extra protections. Make sure to wash and dry it over night.  If, a mask gets wet while you are wearing it, it’s less effective. And if you decide to start wearing a mask, you should know that it takes some getting used to. A mask can be hot and uncomfortable and fog your glasses if you wear them.

It is not required to wear a mask while in your car, at home or walking alone. If you are traveling and in close approximation to people it is necessary.

I’m Woodeline, I go by Woody,  but some people call me Woodwood, Woody or whatever random  nickname my friends call me.

I am a Registered Nurse, I love food and I do watercolor painting in my free time.

I first started blogging  December 31st 2017, just a couple months after I moved all alone to Philly from Florida. It was pretty much right after college and had very little funds to take care of all the moving. My life at the time was a testing of the waters of my new-found independence and I was excited about this new opportunity.

In my early months of blogging, I started blogging about  life & style focusing on health, self improvements and some very personal posts. I never knew that I would be able to keep with a blog while working these long hours;  however, It gets better and I try constantly to better myself in every way possible.

Then, that job I was excited about has tested every bit of my patience and mental health to the point where I spent my saving going to Doctor’s appointments.  I was pissed all the time, I have become a mad woman, something I never was and it showed.

That was my “Whoa” moment!!! I needed to make a move, and that’s when I realized how stress can take the crap out of you. Nevertheless, there’s one thing that I am proud of; I was able to launch ” My Dedication Planner”. A planner to help healthcare professionals and female entrepreneurs prioritize life goals and practicing self care at the same time.

Talking about self care, two weeks after I leave the job, I visited three countries, took two months off, moved to a new state, new city and started a new career job. I got a chance to spend Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year with friends and family after almost 4 years.  I feel happy again and take a huge step about my mental health.

Allow me to reintroduce myself

I am Woodeline, I am a creative, I am a food lover, I am passionate about self-care and love dancing in front of the mirror or when I’m cooking . I love art and am a recovering multi-tasker. I love making new connection and meet cool individuals.

This is my honest, reintroduction if you haven’t read one already.

Woody