Page 9 - LARM LIfe Summer 2020

Wearing a face mask during

summertime heat

Governor Ricketts recommends keeping a social distance of six feet from others and
wearing a mask when out in public. Wearing a mask may be uncomfortable during the
hot, humid Nebraska summer.

The elastic around the ears can chafe skin. The steam from the mask may fog eye
glasses. When the air is hot and humid, it’s not as easy to catch a breath behind some
face masks. Risks of heat stress can worsen with masks which hold warm air near the
body.

S
So how can you make wearing a mask more bearable this summer? The CDC
recommends that the mouth and nose be completely covered and the mask t snugly
on the sides of the face so it needs to be made from a breathable fabric like cotton --
especially if it's multiple layers thick - to allow improved air ow.

T
The mask should t above the nose and below the chin snugly, but not so tightly that
it is uncomfortable. Some people sew pipe cleaners or thin wire into the top of cloth
masks so they can t more tightly on the bridge of the nose, preventing breath from
rising and fogging glasses.

To prevent ear cha ng due to the elastic rubbing, many people have used an s-ring
hook that holds the elastic bands at the back of the head. Strings that tie at the back
may be a more comfortable option.

Workers who are susceptible to heat related illnesses should especially be aware of
the heat generated by face masks and how to reduce those risks. If a person feels
dizzy, faint, nauseous, or have a headache, they need to stop activity, remove the
mask, sit in a cool place, and drink water or a sports beverage. Seek medical
attention if symptoms persist.

Wearing masks is now a reality for anyone
who is in a public space. When wearing a
mask in the heat of summer, it’s all the
more important that people stay
hydrated, take frequent breaks, and
monitor themselves for heat related
illnesses.

For more information about the CDC
recommendation on face masks go to
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html

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