The reason for enduring wearing masks for much longer

Even with news of many people receiving vaccines against COVID-19, the world isn’t out of the woods yet. Sure, the light at the end of the tunnel is now more visible than before. However, vaccinated people still have to wear their masks a little longer.

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For starters, most vaccines require individuals to receive two shots before the immunity response to fully work, with about three weeks to a month in between shots, mentions Dr. Lisa M. Cannon. Much like any other vaccine for any other disease, the response is not instant, but results are promising and encouraging. No vaccine provides 100% protection from the dreaded virus but receiving complete doses does offer one protection from severe symptoms.

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In countries where help is not easily obtained, people will have to wear masks for much longer for reasons such as lack of vaccine supply and challenges in the rollout and inoculation logistics. Herd immunity may take more time in these regions. Children below 18, pregnant women, and individuals with severe chronic illnesses cannot be vaccinated. Keeping a mask on would mean protecting these vulnerable individuals from the threat of the virus.

According to Dr. Lisa M. Cannon, vaccines alone cannot end the pandemic. The development and rollout of the vaccines, including inoculation, signify that the world is on the right track. However, diligence in following health and safety protocols set by health authorities remains the best way to protect oneself and their loved ones from the virus.

Dr. Lisa M. Cannon is a pulmonologist with more than 15 years of experience in her field. Her passion for pulmonology and critical care has led to her own medical practice in New Jersey. Subscribe to this blog for more updates from Dr. Lisa M. Cannon.

A review of some habits that help improve sleep quality

 

According to Lisa M. Cannon, the importance and need for a good night’s sleep in everyone cannot be stressed enough. Sleep habits have direct effects on an individual’s mental and physical health, and even the quality of one’s life in general. Because of this, Lisa M. Cannon has taken it upon herself to come up with a series of blog to educate and inform readers everywhere of the finer points of getting some well-needed shut-eye.

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Below is a quick review of habits Lisa M. Cannon shares with patients with the goal of getting a good night’s sleep.

Sleep schedule

Sticking to a sleep schedule, meaning the same time for going to bed and waking up in the morning, is a basic yet essential step. Doing this helps regulate the body’s clock. It also goes a long way in helping the body fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Lisa M. Cannon mentions that it’s better if people stick to the schedule even during weekends.

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Light exposure

The light to which people are exposed to throughout the day affects their circadian rhythm. During the day, Lisa M. Cannon recommends people be exposed to bright light to increase their energy. In the evening however, she tells people to lessen their exposure to blue light, since it stimulates the brain into believing it is still day time.

Dr. Lisa M. Cannon is a New Jersey-based physician. She specializes in pulmonology, internal medicine, sleep medicine, and critical care. For more updates from Dr. Lisa M. Cannon, visit this blog.

Everything you need to know about air purifiers

 

In the quest to breathe virus-free air, people have been investing in air purifiers that claim to clean the air through an intricate process. These technological wonders have found their way into homes, hospitals, and business establishments. Dr. Lisa M. Cannon shares in this blog post a few facts about air purifiers.

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Air purifiers work. Although there is no guarantee that they will kill bacteria or neutralize every single aggravating particle in one's home, air purifiers can sanitize the air that might include allergens, toxins, and pollutants, unlike air filters. The effectiveness of an air purifier depends on its kind. It can be enticing to invest in a quality air purifier for its promise of eliminating particles such as pet dander, smoke, pollen, and dust.

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When choosing an air purifier, some considerations are the flow rate, location, and duration of use in a particular place. Generally, laboratory conditions are more contained; thus, the guarantee of an air purifier being 99% effective may not be true in some cases. Ventilation affects an air purifier's efficacy as different particles could be sitting on surfaces longer when windows are closed, or new particles are let in when windows are opened.

The ideal kind of air purifier would have to be one that has a HEPA or high-efficiency particulate air filter. This type of air purifier can combat environmental air qualities found in homes near smoky or dusty areas, notes Dr. Lisa M. Cannon. However, there is little medical evidence that air purifiers can alleviate allergies or address respiratory issues as a result of the fact that it is a challenge to differentiate the outcomes of genetic and environmental factors from the results of known air quality pollutants.

Dr. Lisa M. Cannon is a board-certified physician who specializes in pulmonary disease, internal medicine, and critical care. She completed her Master’s in Public Health from NYU Wagner School of Public Service. Head over to this page for similar updates.

All you need to know about working out with a mask on

 

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Wearing a mask when in public or when with individuals from different households reduces a person’s chances of getting infected with the COVID-19 virus or infecting others when they unknowingly carry it. As gyms and parks reopen, more and more people are exercising outside of their homes. Dr. Lisa M. Cannon walks her readers through on exercising with a mask on. 

In general, exercising with a mask on is safe. Long before the pandemic hit the world, many sports brands have tried to introduce face masks that help improve an athlete’s performance. However, the situation calls for the kind of mask that protects one from respiratory droplets and airborne particles. A person with underlying respiratory health issues must consider working out in the comfort of their own home so they won’t need to wear a mask while exercising. 

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Unlike normal breathing, exercising with a mask or face cover reduces the oxygen flow into the lungs. It makes training difficult as there is less oxygen inhaled. Therefore, less oxygen flowing through the bloodstream and muscles. Athletes with incredible strength and endurance are not exempt from feeling fatigued much faster when wearing a face cover. 

According to Dr. Lisa M. Cannon, one should be mindful about their breathing when working out with a mask on. It is advised to take breathing breaks often, but in safe places. When a person feels dizzy, fatigued, and out-of-balance during a workout, it is advised that they stop immediately. While the body will eventually adapt to the new normal, it’s best to not overdo it.

Dr. Lisa M. Cannon earned her medical degree from New York College of Medicine and her fellowship in pulmonary disease, critical care, and sleep medicine from Mount Sinai Hospital. She is a pulmonologist with more than 15 years of experience in her field. Visit this page to know more about Dr. Lisa M. Cannon.