A Better Approach than “Because I Said So”: How I discuss masks with my children.
Written by Brooke McKee-Bass, DC
3 July 2020
Those who know me know that I try to understand a topic from a scientific standpoint, wait to make judgments, and sprinkle in some experience and intuition. On the topic of face masks, I am often asked my opinion and how I discuss the topic with my children, who will both be attending college in the fall. I have found that the “because I said so” approach no longer works in this age group (although withholding tuition payments can be very effective). Seriously though, I have added a link on my website to an article, written by Dr. Sarah Ballantyne, that I feel gives a comprehensive overview of current research available on this controversial topic. I sent this article to both my children. The information on novel coronavirus is ever changing so stay informed. I encourage you to read the article, make your own opinion, and as always I respect everyone’s right to make their own decisions for their family.
This is my opinion for my children, and upcoming college. As a chiropractor I try to approach decisions of health from a position of prevention, understanding, and common sense. As discussed in the article, wearing a mask has been shown to decrease viral exposure, especially if all persons are wearing a mask. Nothing is going to protect us 100% when we are trying to return to regular activities in some capacity, but I like the odds of exposure by wearing a mask. Just as hospitals planned for COVID-19 cases and hoped to not be completely overwhelmed, colleges are putting in place safety measures including social distancing in classes, hybrid learning, staggered eating times, single dorm rooms, and increased cleaning procedures to name a few. There are going to be positive COVID-19 cases, but the hope is that the safety measures can manage the number of cases and college campus activities can continue in some capacity. So if wearing a mask lowers the transmission rate and allows colleges to manage the number of cases, that is a good thing - the alternative is returning home to study online from our kitchen. No one wants that! To put it in terms a student can understand - wear a mask, lower transmission rates, stay on campus, continue modified college experiences. Students may not feel that they are at high risk, or have much concern for those around them, but they need to realize that this is something within their control. In my opinion, viruses don’t care about our desire to return to “normal”, our political views, or what other people are saying. I know my comfort level, I wear a mask, I practice social distance, I optimize my health by eating well, getting adjusted, using supportive nutrition, reducing stress, and sleeping well - I am responsible to not only myself, but my family, my patients, my business, and my community. I am not afraid to continue some activities knowing I am doing my best to protect myself. Just as there is no cure for some chronic illnesses, there is no current cure for COVID-19, but like any chronic condition it can be managed. You can choose to do nothing because you feel helpless, or take some preventative steps to manage this healthcare situation by doing what works to prevent the spread, and continue to enjoy modified activities. Based on my current understanding, I will be wearing a mask.
Written by Brooke McKee-Bass, DC
3 July 2020
Those who know me know that I try to understand a topic from a scientific standpoint, wait to make judgments, and sprinkle in some experience and intuition. On the topic of face masks, I am often asked my opinion and how I discuss the topic with my children, who will both be attending college in the fall. I have found that the “because I said so” approach no longer works in this age group (although withholding tuition payments can be very effective). Seriously though, I have added a link on my website to an article, written by Dr. Sarah Ballantyne, that I feel gives a comprehensive overview of current research available on this controversial topic. I sent this article to both my children. The information on novel coronavirus is ever changing so stay informed. I encourage you to read the article, make your own opinion, and as always I respect everyone’s right to make their own decisions for their family.
This is my opinion for my children, and upcoming college. As a chiropractor I try to approach decisions of health from a position of prevention, understanding, and common sense. As discussed in the article, wearing a mask has been shown to decrease viral exposure, especially if all persons are wearing a mask. Nothing is going to protect us 100% when we are trying to return to regular activities in some capacity, but I like the odds of exposure by wearing a mask. Just as hospitals planned for COVID-19 cases and hoped to not be completely overwhelmed, colleges are putting in place safety measures including social distancing in classes, hybrid learning, staggered eating times, single dorm rooms, and increased cleaning procedures to name a few. There are going to be positive COVID-19 cases, but the hope is that the safety measures can manage the number of cases and college campus activities can continue in some capacity. So if wearing a mask lowers the transmission rate and allows colleges to manage the number of cases, that is a good thing - the alternative is returning home to study online from our kitchen. No one wants that! To put it in terms a student can understand - wear a mask, lower transmission rates, stay on campus, continue modified college experiences. Students may not feel that they are at high risk, or have much concern for those around them, but they need to realize that this is something within their control. In my opinion, viruses don’t care about our desire to return to “normal”, our political views, or what other people are saying. I know my comfort level, I wear a mask, I practice social distance, I optimize my health by eating well, getting adjusted, using supportive nutrition, reducing stress, and sleeping well - I am responsible to not only myself, but my family, my patients, my business, and my community. I am not afraid to continue some activities knowing I am doing my best to protect myself. Just as there is no cure for some chronic illnesses, there is no current cure for COVID-19, but like any chronic condition it can be managed. You can choose to do nothing because you feel helpless, or take some preventative steps to manage this healthcare situation by doing what works to prevent the spread, and continue to enjoy modified activities. Based on my current understanding, I will be wearing a mask.