I was in the grocery store a couple of weeks ago. I see a man who looks like my brother-in-law. But, I know this man is not my brother-in-law, even though he looks like him. The mask he is wearing makes it hard to know one way or the other if it truly is him. After that, I decide it’s not my brother-in-law because he is heavier. However, it has been a while since I have seen him.  We did just have the holidays. In addition, my brother-in-law lives on the other side of town. Above all, he would not have been grocery shopping in that particular store. Confusing isn’t it?

This incident makes me think about mask wearing. Therefore, I begin to think about the affects of wearing a mask.

Who is that masked man?

I’ve not said much about wearing mask. But, I guess it’s time I step out on a limb and say what I think. Keep in mind, I’m not going to get into a heated discussion with my readers.

I was an Infection Prevention Nurse with the Veteran’s Administration at one point in my medical career. So, I have a different perspective. Having said this, I will begin.

I held the position as chairperson for the Evidence Based Practice (EBP) committee for three years. The motto for an EBP nurse is show me the facts. Who’s behind the research being presented. It can’t be the same group who wants to make a point on a topic. It has to be an independent source verifying the facts.

I’m interested in words and how they’re used. For instance, I’m a curious woman. How you perceive that statement determines what you think. That statement from my viewpoint is that I’m curious about life and all things. Someone else may read that statement as me being curious or odd. Therefore, either statement can be true. I do have a sense of humor.

Do you know the origin of the word person? It is Latin in origin and means:

“a mask, a false face,” such as those of wood or clay, covering the whole head, worn by the actors in later Roman theater. Similarly, a person is masked.

I find that very interesting. Have you noticed that you’re not as trusting of people since you can’t see their face clearly?

Think about…

Because of my EBP background, I don’t necessarily trust what I hear.  And, because my mother used to tell me, “God gave you a brain, use it!”

I want you to think about this:

If we’re wearing mask, social distancing and being quarantined, why is the news media making it sound like people are dying off like flies from Covid-19?

If you really want to know what the death rate is, look at your country’s Funeral Home site statics. Here in American, it shows that the death rate is decreased 7.1% between 2015 to 20202. They expect an increase in the next few years because of the population of the very old (80 years and up) will be dying of natural causes. The funeral home page also didn’t support the information that Covid-19 was the leading cause of death. This site stated that the information being presented to the public by the news media is in question on the cause of death being Covid-19.

Now to the facts about wearing mask

1. Wearing a mask decreases your intake of oxygen. Our lungs are designed to take in fresh oxygen and to exhale body waste such as carbon dioxide. Wearing a mask causes one to breath in the waste the body is trying to rid itself of. People who have breathing problems are at risk of having exacerbation of lung problems. If one is infected with any respiratory virus, you’re rebreathing the virus back into your lungs. Inhaling carbon dioxide causes rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, clumsiness, emotional upsets and fatigue.
2. Mask pose a safety hazard. If you wear eyeglasses, they become fogged making it hard to see where you’re going. The waste expelled from the lungs is going into the eyes as well. Mask don’t always stay in place and can restrict your line of vision. Tripping over objects that are hidden from the line of vision is not unusual.
3. The immune system is hampered. Low oxygen levels in the tissues (hypoxia) can suppress some aspects of the immune system. Older and younger people wearing a mask are said to be more vulnerable. Science has proven that lowered oxygen intake prevents the body in fighting infection.
4. Mask can cause rashes, skin irritation, and allergies depending on the material the mask is made from. Remember, you’re breathing in the chemicals that are in the mask at the time of production. It doesn’t matter if it’s a disposal mask or cloth.
5. Mask cause a financial burden on people as well. They are expensive. They get lost or damaged and have to be replaced.

Psychological affects of wearing a mask

Our brain is hard wired to look at people’s faces. Therefore, much information is gathered by looking at the face of a man or woman. Instead, one is not able to make a determination about a person who’s wearing a mask.

I develop trust as I look into the face of a person. I have to see the whole face, not just the eyes. For instance, to read an individual’s body language, we have to see the face in full. In addition, I find that I don’t trust someone when I can’t see their whole face.

You read another person by looking into the eyes and by watching the expression on the face. Child care workers tell me babies do not interact as much as they did because the face is covered. It’s going to be interesting to learn what the long term affects will be on these children. I predict that these babies will have a harder time learning to trust their instincts when it comes to dealing with people. For instance, this generation will have difficulty in social interaction.

Above all, men and women with claustrophobia are isolated. They are not able to deal with wearing a mask. More people are claustrophobic than you realize.

In closing

Tell me, has there ever been another time in history where you wear a mask into a bank and it’s ok?

Also, why is the parent wearing a mask in public, yet the children are mask free? If the threat of infection is so high, why would a parent not protect their child? Doesn’t make sense does it?

The best way to prevent the spread of germs is to wash your hands! I ask you, how long will you tolerate being manipulated with false information. Research the facts! Therefore, don’t take the word of the mainstream news media. Find the evidence! Trust yourself! Look for the evidence!

In conclusion: As mom said, “God gave you a brain, use it!”