Tag: Infection Control

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FAKE EYELASHES DE RIGUEUR AT WHITE HOUSE?

Does anyone remember Eleanor Roosevelt, Bess Truman, or Mamie Eisenhower?  Although Mamie was famous for her bangs, none of these women were known for their glamour or beauty.  In modern times, Jackie Kennedy was the most glamorous occupant of the White House—that is, until Melania Trump moved in. That was one First Lady who was never seen without her make-up.  You had to wonder how she and her husband would look after washing their faces.  But now, after watching the 2021 presidential  inauguration, I’ve concluded that fake eyelashes are de rigueur at the White House.

As the television cameras zoomed in on the  ceremony, it highlighted the professional make up jobs of the ladies surrounding the president.     Should women in the White House send a message that wearing  fake eyelashes is  desirable?  The fact is, it’s  risky.

Here are the dangers:  Fake eyelashes can cause eye infections like conjunctivitis.  This occurs when bacteria collect under the eyelash glue and on the false eyelash itself.    They can also cause serious  allergic reactions, and damage your natural lashes to the point where they may fall out and never grow back.  Fake eyelashes may scratch or  damage the cornea,  if the glue thickens or falls into your eye.

Fake eyelashes de rigueur at White House?
Fake eyelashes de rigueur at White House? Entertainers wear them, but they have risks.

They say that politicians should lead by example. It bothers me that politicians and their wives are setting such impossible standards of beauty  for American women. They’re telegraphing a mindset –that women must risk their health, and spend the time and effort it requires to look like a movie star.  Did you know it takes two hours to apply false eyelashes? And they should be changed every day for infection control purposes.  Are they really worth all that time and effort?

Do we elect people to public office for their looks, or for their ability?  Apparently, looks have a lot to do with it.  Most successful politicians are fairly good looking, although that may be a matter of opinion.  I never really admired Richard Nixon’s nose or Barack Obama’s ears .  On the other hand,  I’ll never forget the time I saw Dwight Eisenhower in person.    With his charming blue eyes and wide grin, he radiated charisma.

I’m all for attractive women occupying the White House.  But the fake eyelashes need to go.

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HOW HAVE YOU CHANGED?

Have you ever been on a retreat?  When I attended parochial school years ago, we were often scheduled to go on retreat.  This meant maybe 3 days of silence and prayer. You didn’t talk to your friends.  kept your mouth shut,  studied the bible, listened to sermons, and prayed.  The purpose was to renew your faith, and refocus your life.  Covid-19 has sent almost all of us on another kind of retreat.  Away from the world you’ve known and the life you’ve always lived, you may end up with a new set of values. How Have You Changed during your Stay-At-Home Days?

Most everyone with a steady job enjoyed the extra sleep when working from home.  You’d forgotten how much better you feel when not sleep deprived. Now, instead of staying up late watching TV, working on a project, or partying, you may strive to get at least seven hours sleep each night.

Staying at home during covid-19 has been a retreat. How Have You changed
How Have You changed while staying at home?

Improved hygiene. Did everyone wash their hands as often as they do now? I suspect that long after we return to normal life, we will have changed our hand washing habits.  Which will lead to less sickness and fewer colds in the winter.

The pleasure of home cooked meals.    . Yes, you’re tired of all the cooking, but you’ve probably tried some new recipes and gained confidence in your own culinary skills.

Finding out what you really don’t like.   As an example,   you’ve played competitive bridge for years.  You thought you couldn’t live with out those endless bridge games .   Surprisingly, you find you don’t miss them at all: The self blaming when you bid wrong or reneged. The mean spirited competition.  No more sleepless nights going over a botched play, or a bad score.   When the quarantine is over, you may decide to play less bridge, , and find other ways to entertain yourself.  Like reading, or spending more time outside.

Hair styles.  Most of us had routine hair appointments,  wore the same style,  and applied the same color for years. .  You’ve almost forgotten  your natural color, and it might surprise you to see that you really like it.  Or you can try out a different color.  You may find that you look better with longer hair, too.  Many of us will look entirely different when we finally venture out into society.

How have you changed these past few months?  Have you found the real you?

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WHY WEAR A FACE MASK?

A couple of weeks ago, the the CDC advised us not to bother wearing surgical  face masks in public. They said it wouldn’t protect us at all from the coronavirus, and might even make things worse. Because if we touched our face while fiddling around with the mask, we would  be spreading the virus near  the mucous membranes in our mouth and nose.   I believed that.    But guess what?  I’ve changed my mind.   Why do I  wear a face mask when going to the store?

The idea began when I noticed cashiers seemed  apprehensive as I  approached the checkout.   They were unfriendly and didn’t smile.   It occurred to me that they were afraid of my standing so close and breathing on them.  It turns out that stores like Target and Kroger are addressing that fear by installing Plexiglas barriers between the customer and the cash register clerks.

Wearing a fase mask in public relieves fear of others near you
Even though a face mask doesn’t offer protection against the virus, it makes nearby people feel assured that you’re not breathing on them. . That’s why I wear a face mask.

Last Saturday was the first time I went to the drug store wearing a mask.  I was afraid I would stand out, and look kind of freakish.  But  half of the few people in that pharmacy were also wearing face masks.  I was one of the crowd!  By now, I’ve begun wearing a surgical mask to the store simply because I don’t want to spread my germs around.  I have no symptoms, but that doesn’t mean I’m not coming down with the virus.   I’m not wearing the mask to protect myself, so much as to put others at ease.  And this time, the cashier at the checkout was friendly.

Another reason to wear the face mask:  Last night’s weatherman announced we have a high pollen count. People with spring allergies might start sneezing,  but he  cautioned them not to panic. Unless they develop a fever or more serious symptoms they shouldn’t conclude that they have the coronavirus.   I am one of those people allergic to pollen.  My nose drips off and on all spring, depending on what tress are blossoming. If I go to the store with a dripping nose, it’s going to scare people to death.  Wearing the mask filters the pollen so that I don’t sneeze. Also,  no one has to worry that I’m sending droplets into the air.

I’m sure some people are laughing at my face mask.  But that’s the nice part about being over eighty.  I really don’t care.

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PURELL HITS JACKPOT IN COVID-19

One man’s poison is another man’s meat, to rephrase  an old cliché.  While the cruise industry is reeling from the shock, and the stock market nose dives, some people are getting an unexpected windfall.  The coronavirus appears to have a few beneficiaries. Purell hits the jackpot during the COVID-19 outbreak. Manufacturers of other hand sanitizers will see an increase in their bottom line, too.

Parell and other makers of hand sanitizers are making lots of money
Producers of hand sanitizers are seeing big sales. Purell hit the Jackpot in COVQ10-19

You may wish you owned stock in Purell, but  if you work for a company making  face masks or respirators, your job security is rock solid right now.  Take it a step further.  The drugstores who sell all of the aforementioned items are keeping pretty busy

Because more people have  stopped attending church or public events, cable and network  ratings must be going through the roof.  We’ve watched more Netflix this month than we can remember.   Just like Joe Biden, what video stores remain in business may experience a comeback.

Don’t worry about layoffs if you’re working in the  healthcare industry..  You’re services are  greatly needed right now.  Not saying the coronavirus will get worse, but everyone who gets sick is going to think they have it.  Patients  may even get turned away from the emergency room, because there is no room for them.

Booksellers should see a surge in sales, as libraries keep up with the demand for bestsellers.  We’ve probably read twice as many books this month as we usually do. I’m checking out as many library books as my arms can carry.

Family life may improve. When people are staying home, they may  sit down and eat meals together.  Suddenly everyone is bonded by fear of the coronavirus.  A common enemy unites us all, as we huddle together in front of the hearth (or television) .

If it goes on too long, the coronavirus may reduce  our reliance on Chinese goods and services..  Maybe manufacturers will decide to invest in American workers by moving their factories out of China and into the good old USA.

You never know.  Every cloud has a silver lining.