Masking the Heat: How to Stay Cool Wearing a Mask Outside
WiTH RECORD HIGH TEMPS THE PAST COUPLE DAYS, MORE PEOPLE went out TO ENJOY THE SUNSHINE.
BUT THE WARM WEATHER CAN MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO WEAR A MASK, ESPECIALLY WHILE WORKING or doing OUTSIDE activities.
Dr. Becky DAWSON OF ALLEGHENY COLLEGE SAYS EVEN THOUGH IT MIGHT BE UNCOMFORTABLE, WEARING A MASK IS STILL NECESSARY.
AS BEACHES AND WALKING TRAILS become MORE POPULATED, YOU HAVE MORE OF A CHANCE COMING IN CONTACT WITH SOMEONE.
DAWSON SAYS THIS IS WHEN A MASK IS IMPORTANT NOT JUST FOR YOUR HEALTH BUT EVERYONE YOU PASS BY.
"YEAH IT'S HOT, YEAH IT'S UNCOMFORTABLE BUT WHEN I GET OUT OF THE WATER I REALLY SHOULD HAVE MY MASK ON BECAUSE IT'S PROTECTING OTHERS", explains Dawson.
Dawson recommends trying masks until you find one that works for you. She says a lightweight one or even a bandana could work for summer.
FOR PEOPLE SPENDING THEIR DAYS OUTSIDE AND COMING IN CONTACT WITH PEOPLE, LIKE RESTAURANT WORKERS OR LIFE GUARDS, REMEMBER TO KNOW YOUR LIMITS WHILE WEARING A MASK.
"PEOPLE ARE GOING TO NEED BREAKS IN different WAYS", reminds Dawson. "IT'S OKAY TO SAY I NEED TO STEP OUT AND TAKE MY MASK OFF".
IF YOU ARE AT A BEACH OR OUTSIDE WALKING AND YOU CAN'T WEAR A MASK, THE NEXT BEST THING IS KEEPing 6 FEET BETWEEN YOU AND OTHERS.