Contributed by Bob “Oxygen Man” Rawlins, oxygen user and consultant to CAIRE Inc. ~
That is the question.
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has some good information on State-by-State guidance on current mask requirements. Click the link to read more.
I subscribe to AARP, and they do provide some good sources of information.
Of course, talking with your doctors and caregivers is probably the best option when deciding if and when and where you will don a face mask.
My lung coordinators said, “they are lifting the mask mandates in Ohio, but, not for you.” My caregivers are being strict on what they want their compromised patients to do and not do.
I can get outside and eat at restaurants, but I am still cautious getting around.
I am choosing to still wear masks in stores or more confined places, no doubt. Until they say otherwise, I’m going to keep my distance and maintain my caution and comfort levels. It is becoming more and more of a “to each its own” choice scenario here in the US.
You can choose to do as you please, but for those of us with a compromised immune system I think information and planning is the best course when sorting through precautions you can take to keep yourself safe.
We all know to wear or not wear a mask has been surrounded in controversy if we are honest about it. But as I started to listen and understand the many views about it – it is a matter of choice, right?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers guidelines on how to stay safe, even after you have been fully vaccinated. Read more by following this link.
Do you know people that have decided not to vaccinate? Me too.
It was a very straight forward decision for me to get the vaccine. Now, those of you on this similar journey feel the same way, I’m sure.
I have experienced several discussions with friends and loved ones who have a lot of reservations about the vaccines. The unknown is always something that creates the divide between us, I believe.
I did research and consulted with my doctors before I got the vaccine. There is endless information from healthcare organizations with information to help educate the consumer. Here is a helpful link to the CDC addressing side effects and safety.
Some of us know what it’s like to not be able to breathe. Being on a ventilator and surviving Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).
Having gone through ARDS made it easy to make up my mind. There were many fatalities that involved this scary prognosis as it intersected with catching COVID-19. I was one of those lucky ones that survived ARDS years ago, some have not been so lucky. ☹
As we emerge from the pandemic I am so happy to see some normalcy back in our lives. Maybe you have been able to hug and kiss your grandchildren again. Kids are having play dates and attending some events with their buddies. I saw some indoor musical concerts as well — thumbs up baby!!!
Some countries still don’t have this opportunity yet.
We’ve been able to enjoy some barbeques and dinner dates as well. It is great to be able to do this again. Local businesses appear to be getting better financially. It will take some time but eventually the strong will survive.
So, what are you going to do? Your choice. Gather all the best information and make the decision that works best for you and your family. That is how simple it is in my opinion.
What are the things you want to do once we have less mandates and restrictions?
I am hoping to volunteer at the hospital again. Get to some sporting events, watch some local concerts and “breathe” that fresh air of freedom.
Also, this week I took that first summer vacation in a long time to the Jersey Shore to visit some friends and family. But, mostly, plop my butt in a chair and my feet in the sand. My happy place. 😊
Nothing like being in the sand! Join me in enjoying your life better today than over the past year.
Do what’s right for you based on all the information you have compiled. Pass it by your doctors and care-givers and make it happen!
Until next time!
#breathe-easy
#touchaheart
#laugheveryday
Love you all,
Coach “Oxygen Man” Bob
Bob Rawlins, 61, of Medina, Ohio, is husband to Terese and father to their 16-year-old triplets, a soccer coach, a hospital volunteer, band dad and chaperone, and marketing guru. He uses a FreeStyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator and a transportable oxygen concentrator for overnight travel.
If you have been prescribed oxygen therapy, learn more about CAIRE by visiting www.caireinc.com/patients or by calling 1-800-482-2473 to talk to an oxygen advisor. The contents of this blog post are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice.
Please consult your physician for personalized medical advice. When using any oxygen therapy device please consult the applicable product instructions for use for product indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and detailed safety information.