TIME TO CLEAR THE AIR

Time to Clear the Air about Wearing Masks

by Lance J. Morris

Throughout the COVID-19 points. Is one right and the other wrong? pandemic, the issue of wearing Both camps seem convinced they are in the masks has become the symbol for right. Opposing perspectives are adamantly the line drawn in the sand between those proclaimed with supporting evidence. Let’s who believe masks are essential and critilook at both sides of the story and try to cal for protecting themselves and others, offer a rational compromise. versus those who believe that masks are Part of the public’s confusion has a farce, protecting no one—and are even been exacerbated by a lack of clear guidharmful. This has also become the symbol ance from the U.S. Centers for Disease between those who believe it is their civic, Control and Prevention (CDC) relative to moral and ethical responsibility to wear mask wearing. At the very beginning of masks and those who believe that wearing the pandemic, their guidance was to wash masks represents an affront to their fundahands and engage in social distancing mental freedom and autonomy. only. In February, the CDC added wearing

These are radically different viewmasks for symptomatic patients. It was not

until April that the CDC recommended masks for the general public. This change occurred due to the previously unrecognized reality of asymptomatic people being vectors for COVID-19 infection transmission. In July, 31 states mandated the wearing of masks in public venues where social distancing is not possible.

To be clear, at no time has any physician or agency, medical or governmental, stated or even suggested that the addition of masks is some kind of panacea against COVID-19. What has been evident from the beginning is a dominant consensus among health professionals that the appropriate wearing of masks, combined with hand washing, wiping of surfaces and social distancing, decreases the probability of COVID-19 transmission and infection.

Both camps site several cogent arguments both against and for mask-wearing.

AGAINST:Viral particles pass through any masks, including N-95s, as readily as the air we breathe. This is a function of particle size. Masks are excellent for blocking bacteria, but not viruses. FOR: Although true, masks are effective in reducing the spray of viral containing droplets primarily from coughing, sneezing and any form of vocal exuberance. This does not eliminate, but reduces the “infectious dose” exposure. There is a direct correlation with the “viral load at diagnosis” as an “independent predictor of mortality”. Therefore, low initial exposure increases the probability of being asymptomatic or having only modest symptoms and increasing natural immunity.

AGAINST: Masks may decrease available cellular oxygen, while increasing carbon dioxide. This may lead to a decrease in functional immunity, as well as creating other metabolic complications. FOR: This may be true, but much more with wet or contaminated masks, physical exertion or in hot climates like Arizona. In one local holistic office, when using a pulse oximeter to test oxygen levels of all patients wearing masks (including cardiac, asthma and COPD patients), all were found to have normal oxygen levels.

*Although there is conflicting data about the influence of mask wearing and oxygen availability, the general consensus is that masks are safe for most people. Reasonable guidance suggests only to use new masks and if exercising (as per CDC and all other guidelines), do not wear a mask. If outside in extreme heat, do not wear a mask, but social distance.

AGAINST:Masks may contribute to increased anxiety and stress, increase pulse rate and blood pressure, increase the risk of heart or respiratory disease and may actually increase exposure to infectious vectors that are trapped in the masks themselves. FOR: All of these points may or may not be true.

There are many medical journal studies both advocating for and against wearing masks. Upon careful review of both sides, some authors are misrepresenting or taking liberties with this data and then passing on their personal bias to the public. Finding the truth is by no means a simple open and closed case.

Keeping this all in mind, here are some mask recommendations. • Consider wearing a mask when social distancing is not a viable option. • In our own homes, we do not need to use masks with our immediate household members. If another relative or someone else visits and we cannot social distance, then a mask is appropriate. • Don’t wear a mask while driving in the car alone or with household members. • Don’t wear a mask in excessive heat or while doing vigorous exercise. Either use social distance or don’t do it. A public gym should accommodate social distancing, without requiring masks. • Those 5 years old and younger do not need to wear a mask. • Those who have a medical condition for which wearing masks is contraindicated (physical, emotional or mental) are not

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch from Pexels

That said, this last area is a bit tricky. When a business has a sign posted, “Masks Required For Entry”, we have a whole new can of worms. Overall, though, if someone won’t or can’t wear a mask in those locations, it’s probably better to turn around. Consider letting someone else do the shopping and/or order online.

Please be prudent and consider all of the above information and guidance. Let’s all be safe and respectful of one another while we navigate this uncharted territory.

Dr. Lance Morris is in clinical practice at Wholistic Family Medicine, located at 2310 N. Wyatt Dr., in Tucson. He is currently seeing patients as well as offering tele-medicine. Connect at 520-322-8122 or ResonantSoundTherapy.com. See ad, page 16.

*These findings are from Dr. Lance Morris at his Wholistic Family Medicine practice.

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NOW OPEN: Yoga Pod Tucson is for Every Body

by Wendy Becker

At Yoga Pod Tucson, anyone new to yoga can find safety to explore their body in classes with structured intention. From the moment one walks into this five-star designed studio at St. Philip’s Plaza in Tucson, there is a symmetry that is as inviting as the consistency and flow-based predictability of the class schedule. Through the ups and downs of this past year, Yoga Pod Tucson has built a thriving community with loyal members, incredibly talented teachers and friendly front desk and childcare staff.

To studio owner Lisa Cutts, the most important guided expedition to the inner reaches of one’s self is defined by “belonging”. It does not matter if we are not like the images of bodies viewed on popular teaching videos. Real bodies come in all shapes and sizes with ranges in strength and flexibility. At Yoga Pod Tucson, the average Jane or Joe will find an approachable method that will fit into anyone’s lifestyle.

Formerly a software executive in private equity, Cutts traveled for her job and visited yoga studios all over the world. In fact, the Yoga Pod Tucson classrooms are named after her most favorite places: Bali and Santorini. While traveling has a luxurious appeal, being an executive has huge responsibility. To relieve stress and calm down, Cutts discovered yoga was a means to rest her mind “while finding what feels good when working out physically.”

Once grandchildren entered her life picture, she did not want to travel as much. On a fated visit with her sister in Boulder, Colorado, she was driving by a building when she declared to her sister, “Oh look, a yogurt place,” and asked her sister to check it out. However, Cutts was not wearing her glasses when she realized it was not a place to eat, but a place to retreat. For the remainder of her visit, she enjoyed returning to classes for solace in the quiet spaces of her practice. As the studio was part of a franchise, she was inspired. Cutts returned home to Tucson and whispered to her husband (also known as “Chief of Stuff and Things”), “Let’s build a yoga studio.”

With that, Cutts cultivated her heartmind intention (called a sankulpa), listening to Yoga Nidra. Nightly, before bed, she set out to bring deeper meaning to her life and her community. It has now been twoand-a-half years since she decided to act upon her dream of using her worldly experiences as a template to create an architectural sanctuary. COVID delayed her efforts to keep her doors open three separate times after the grand opening at the beginning of this year. Challenging as it has been, she feels this has been a lesson in patience.

The signature of Yoga Pod Tucson is that every student is welcome to find a level of participation that fits their experience and comfort level. Cutts recommends that new students start with podBASICS that introduces postural themes broken down into parts for proper form. This class prepares students for podFLOW, which follows a specific sequence of yoga postures. Additionally, other classes are woven into the schedule for a balanced variety, like the still holds of yin yoga or the Ayurvedic podFLOW that changes with the seasons.

Cutts is most excited about how her husband has been “feeling great” since starting yoga earlier this year. “He went from doing nothing to doing something every single day, even throughout the closure,” she enthuses. Clearly, the Chief of Stuff and Things has gained a whole lot more than a boutique, spacious reception, children’s play area, cool light color therapy classroom ambiance, tiled locker room, private water closets and glass doored shower stalls.

The journey at Yoga Pod Tucson creates both a physically and energetically clean environment in which a consistent yoga discipline can develop. Like the power of playful dolphins in the clear blue waters of the sea, Yoga Pod Tucson is a perfect place to be in community.

Yoga Pod Tucson is located at 4280 N Campbell, Suite 130. Connect at 520-261-0728 or YogaPod.com/tucson.

Wendy Becker, BA, LMT, Dipl. LAc., CNRT-M enjoys writing about health and wellness related topics and is owner of Axis Vitality, PLLC (AxisVitality.com) in Tucson.