Author: Li

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Top 5 Advice for Wearing Masks for an extended period

It has now been a few months since most of us first laid hands on our masks.  During the lockdown, they were used while we ventured out to Publix, and to other stores that were still open.  Now as we have a wider range of activities to draw us out of our homes, the use of masks is increasing.

Masks were not initially designed for continual use.  Now, with more and more activity, and COVID-19 still a threat, work environments are mandating masks.  A lot of folks are facing 8 hrs or more of mask use.  It is a challenge to keep a mask on for a whole day, so we want to share some of the top advice regarding mask use:

 

Protect your Ears

Masks that hook around your ears are now a common sight around the community.  The ear hooks eventually irritate the back of your ear after using it for a couple hours; you can relieve this by getting a mask with straps that tie behind your head vs your ears, or with a single tie behind the head.  You can also get ear guards that will protect your ears.

Comfort

Now that you have protected the back of your ears, it’s time to consider the materials of which the mask is made of; polyester and synthetic material traps more heat vs cotton.  The N95 masks are typically made with thin synthetic fibers, but may not be as comfortable as a cotton mask.  Other moisture can also get trapped behind the masks, so one suggestion is to put a tissue on your nose behind the mask, it may help with some irritation.  If you feel suffocated with your mask, you can try mints or chewing gum, as they will help regulate your breathing.

Also, try out your masks at home before you use them for an extended period of time.  This will help you figure out the more painful areas and give you a chance to address it.

Credit: Stanford University / 4C Air

Make it Smell Better

You will be spending a bit of time with your mask when you venture out.  So, if you are sensitive to smells, consider using Menthols, or scented antibacterial sprays inside your mask. These will give it a pleasant smell, and reduce germs accumulating inside your mask.  You may also consider a few drops of essential oils.  For example, lavender oil is used to relieve anxiety; peppermint may help with mental focus; eucalyptus will help open your lungs, and bergamot has antioxidant properties, and can be a herbal option to ward off germs.

Foggy Glasses

For the 64% of Americans wearing glasses, especially in the South Florida humidity, foggy glasses are another annoyance you will face with masks.  First, make sure you have a tight fit on top of the mask.  If you have a metal strip in your mask, make sure it sits snugly on your nose and skin.  You can also try to wear your glasses lower, and thus down your nose.  For masks that tie behind the head, criss-crossing the straps can also be used to keep the fabric pressed closely against your face. 

Style

Since you are already customizing your masks to make them more comfortable, you might as well personalize it with your style.  The choice of masks now is ever expanding, and you can get them custom made for you.  You can choose a different mask based on your mood or outfit.

Credit: Katie May Masks

In Closing

Living with a mask on your face is now a part of everyone’s daily routine, you might as well try to make it as comfortable as possible.  There are masks for every purpose and occasion, so get a few styles and use them based on your activities.

 

Personally, I enjoy taking mask breaks when I can, but please wear a mask when you can not be socially distant in public.  You are protecting me by wearing a mask, and I am protecting you by wearing mine.

Submit your comments and your stories on masks to us.

 

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Travel has changed – Rafting trip upended

Let’s go Rafting!

A friend on the west coast texted the invitation. The annual gathering for rafting is on, with Colorado allowing those activities based on their reopening. After holing up at home for 3 months, never venturing beyond 2 miles from where I sleep, it was exciting. Soon I was searching for flights… 

Changes in Flying

I have lived through change in travel. During spring break over 25 years ago, I was with a group of college dorm mates and driving south from Canada. Crossing the border, the only question the friendly agent asked the 5 of us was, “Are you all Canadians?”.  A quick nod, a verbal yes, and we were off, speeding down I-95 to Florida for the first time.

Since then, I have travelled often between Canada, the US, and overseas. Air travel felt not much different than hopping on a bus. The world felt smaller.

Just over a month after the horrible attack on 9/11, I was flying through London on my way to Rome, and for the first time, I experienced the enhanced security that was being established. Over two hours in a line to go through the security check during transfer was very stressful.  Times had changed forever.

Over time, things have improved.  I was travelling regularly, and sometimes I would go two weeks around the world internationally.  I got used to spending more time in airline lounges.  TSA Precheck and Global Entry made my life going through security easier.  I again started to be comfortable arriving less than one hour before the gate closed.

Limited flights

A 3-4 hour flight with my trusty mask, and quick in and out through the airport, separated me from a fun weekend with guys I had only seen on video chat, rafting down the cold waters in Colorado. Or so I thought.  

Soon I realized, the number of direct flights to Denver from Florida is near zero.  In fact, there was only one flight and it landed near midnight.  Which means I would need to stay a night that I wasn’t planning, or take a chance at a connection at one of the hubs.

After a day of back and forth, playing out the odds in my mind, I decided to drop out.  Beaten not by the rapids, but lack of travel options.

The world no longer feels small

I started to wonder, will traveling change after this? 

Not able to just travel to NYC to see my sister, or Pennsylvania to visit my parents, or the wedding of a friend in Canada; makes me realize the vast distance that now separates us. We are all fighting our individual battles against both COVID-19, the illness and the mental / psychological stress.

In a couple of years, I hope we will look back to the current day as a blip in our ever-shrinking world.  But for now, we are blessed to live where others come to vacation, and expand your local connections.  It’s amazing what you can find in our little corner of south florida, and many interesting experiences that you can have and still obey the safety rules to minimize risk.  We will continue to share our experiences in adapting in the New Normal, and you can send in yours, if you want to share by sending an email to submissions@theparklander.com, or click on submit on our homepage.

 

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Podcast Episode 8 – Mothers Demand Action

We discuss with local Mothers Demand Action activists on their efforts.  Angela and Heather came to share what their  all volunteer organization is doing.  And the results they have achieved and initiatives they are championing.

Go check out their national webpage: https://momsdemandaction.org

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

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New Normal – Concierge Fitness

The gym, where we exercise to burn off our excessive consumption, has been closed since the beginning of the pandemic shut down.  During the pandemic, personal concierge trainers have become a popular way for folks who are looking for professional guidance to continue their training.

As we reopen, gyms have established protocols to protect the customers.  Equipment has been moved so people will be socially distant from each other, mask use is mandated, regular cleaning regimens are increased, and reservations need to be made to meet capacity limitations.

These are all prudent protocols which should reduce the risk of exposure.  However, for those wanting to continue their workouts at home, a spectrum of services are available.  They include, visiting your trainer at their personal garage gym and trainers coming to you.  

For folks looking for specialty training, like kickboxing training, check out HB Kickboxing.  It’s a great way to workout, and improve confidence and discipline.  According to Harry from HB Kickboxing, “learn how using kickboxing can be your most effective weight loss strategy”

If you lack equipment, yet still want to train at home, you will also find mobile gym services available for you to reserve.  One serving the Parkland and Coral Springs area is Trainstation, which allows you to reserve a fully equipped gym.  It’s a great way to work with your trainer, right at home.

 

Source: http://trainstationfla.com

With all the options, there should be little excuse not to get back to your exercise schedule due to COVID-19.  Stay safe and thrive!

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Juneteenth at Coral Springs City Hall

A group of citizens holding Anti-Racism signs and supporting Black Lives Matter gathered in front of Coral Springs City Hall today.  They were greeted by regular honks from drivers passing by showing support.

The event was very peaceful, with music keeping everyone’s spirit up on a grey Friday.  

Patricia Nicholas organized the event through social media.

 

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New Normal – Casino Opening

Casinos are a major center for local entertainment in South Florida. We are home to several casinos, the most prominent is Seminole Hard Rock with its newly finished hotel shaped like a guitar.

Locally, Seminole Casino at Coconut Creek has been an entertainment center off 441 and Sample Road. When I heard it was reopening, I felt it was worth checking out what the New Normal of the South Florida casino looks like.  

As you can see, the new entrance routes you to a thermal scanner, where your temperature is monitored.  

For slot machine players, you will find every other seat disabled to maintain the social distance while a crew of cleaning staff regularly cleans the area.

If you are looking to play a table game, the dealer will welcome you to a private plexiglass booth with a squirt of hand sanitizer. Then when you leave, a staff member will be immediately wiping down your former play area.  

According to the hotel/casino, the air is constantly purified and disinfected via their Atmos™ bipolar ionization system. Combined with 50% capacity, it appears the Seminole Casino is trying their best to minimize all risk for customers.

Masks are mandatory and will be provided by staff if you don’t have one. Dealers will remind you if you are not covering your face during play.

For elderly customers, one challenge you should prepare for is more walking. Staff will be directing you through a predefined path through the building, and to the cashier. So expect to walk more in an attempt to maintain social distance.

The atmosphere is no different than pre-pandemic with the noises from brand new slot machines drawing you to their giant displays. Yet, every time you sit down at a table in your own private booth, you are reminded, this is the New Normal for the next while.  

 

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New Normal – Art Exhibition

It feels strange… After months of cocooning in my home, I ventured out to an event with strong apprehensions.  What is the expectation, what is the new norm, when you meet strangers?

Art was an early casualty of the pandemic response.  Not often associated with an essential activity, these exhibitions effectively fully shut down.  With the reopening of south Florida, a local event in Fort Lauderdale, is showing works by local artists revolving around the quarantine theme.  Desiring to see what the New Normal will look like for the artist community, I took my mask, and embarked on my longest journey since the COVID-19 pandemic started.

Artists picked a character from the word quarantine, to create art capturing the mix of emotions associated with the lockdown.  The organizer, Chen H. Bitton of Painting Picnik, wanted to give the artists who have been in isolation for the past several months a venue to show the work they have been creating.  Proceeds from sales will go to help fund COVID-19 relief.

Caption: LOVE PREVAILS
By Chen H. Bitton and Joey Ace

The exhibit, showing between June 13 to 17th at the Painting Picnik in Fort Lauderdale, is one of the first in the area.  The public is invited to appreciate the works and discuss with the artists about their recent experiences. 

Everyone at the first night of the exhibit was cautious, even though many know each other well.  People overcame the uneasiness quickly by discussing the works in the exhibit. Everyone enjoyed being able to chat with each other about the works of art around us and share recent experiences.

For Painting Picnik, the gallery and studio has been open to clients by appointment.  Clinics are still being held, for individuals or families.  More events are starting to get planned, so please check in with Chen for details if you are interested in taking a class. 

The COVID-19 pandemic is having a drastic impact on the art world.  Social distancing has separated the artists and eliminated opportunities to gather and share.  Patrons are also often staying home.  I hope with this initial kick off, more patrons and artists will start defining the new norm for the art community.

Like all things new, we will feel strange for a while.  Art will thrive, the stress of 2020 will surely be explored by artists. I believe many masterpieces have or will be produced, and I look forward to appreciating them… And reflecting.

 

link to the live bidding of the art exhibit http://artistrelieftree.com/artgallery

Contact Chen @ Painting Picnik – https://paintingpicnik.com 

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Common Grounds June 2020 : Prayer in the virtual space

By: Rabbi Melissa Stollman.  

Union for Reform Judaism,
Major Gifts Officer

By: Pastor Andy Hagen,

Advent Life Ministries,

Boca Raton, FL

Since the shelter-in-place orders began in March religious institutions scrambled to move their programs and worship to a virtual space. While some congregations around the country already took advantage of streaming services to offer a hybrid worship of face-to-face and online prayer, most did not. This presented quite a few challenges. The obvious hurdle concerned the technical aspects – what virtual platform to use, what audio/visual equipment to purchase, and so on. But the more difficult task involved how to create a spiritual communal worship experience while everyone remained separated and isolated, from one another and the sacred worship space.

As we moved to the virtual space the role of the clergy has also changed. While it is still to engage the community, provide pastoral care, and teach tradition, history and values – the way this needs to be done has shifted, without any time to prepare. Here, in Parkland, we are no strangers to disruption, even when surrounded by crisis and trauma. We may have been more prepared to bear the emotional weight of this new reality, but not the physical nuances of running our business from home. Clergy, trained in leading worship and teaching about faith, had to quickly become tech savvy, managing different platforms and equipment. Acquiring an entire new language, based in technology, also needs to be learned. From Shabbat services, to “Zoom” mitzvahs, to online funerals – our work looks very different than before.

I have always believed that a community can be created in a virtual setting. Just look at Facebook with its millions of groups that segment us based on our interests. These are some of the most engaging online forums that exist. Now, with the increased use of videoconferencing technology, reunions of all types occur across the world with the realization that everyone is only one click away. I watch clergy lead Facebook live sessions filled with study, prayer and music that not only engage people in the moment, but stay online for others to watch later. If you miss worship in our time zone, you can click on a California synagogue’s website and catch it live a little bit later. These are the most positive changes that have happened since this pandemic began, and I hope they will not disappear in the future.

Now as restrictions begin to lift in Florida we are faced once again with how to conduct our worship in meaningful ways. Just because we CAN be open does not necessarily mean that we SHOULD. In person worship often attracts an older population, which may be more vulnerable during this time. No one would want to put anyone at risk, for the sake of prayer. The concept of pikuach nefesh, saving a life, is an important principle in Jewish law stating that the preservation of a human life is the greatest commandment one can follow, above all others, including worshipping together physically to create a minyan (prayer quorum of 10 people). Under this guiding principle online prayer with a minimum of 10 people will suffice for worship. It is my prayer that we stay as healthy as possible, minimize risks when we can, and continue to engage with each other in meaningful ways, even if this means using online platforms a bit longer. While these virtual experiences cannot fully replicate an in-person gathering, they do have the opportunity to keep us engaged and connected during a very isolating time.

In August of 70 AD the Jewish people suffered a terrible tragedy. Besieged by Roman armies, the city of Jerusalem fell and with it their Temple. The loss of land and life and freedom was significant but the religious implications were even greater. Without the Temple, how would God’s people be able to maintain their worship of God? The answer to this crisis was an institution that can be found all over the world-the local synagogue. No longer bound to one location Judaism grew in its world-wide presence. 

In March of 2020 synagogues, churches, mosques and houses of worship faced a unique challenge caused by the COVID-19 Crisis. How can we gather our members together to worship if our doors are shut? Some churches, mainly extremely traditional, small or poor have just shut down. It is a painful truth that some will not reopen. Others have refused to close their doors only to find that members have gotten infected and died despite their faith in God. 

But for millions of the faithful God has gone online. Churches have started drive-in worship services and drive-thru communion. Others are finding safe ways to feed their neighbors out of their parking lots or setting up emergency funds for those in difficult situations. Most have found a way to go online with their worship services, Bible studies and small groups. Our church has risen to the occasion in a variety of ways:

• Our Senior Bible Study members helped each other figure out Zoom and now meets weekly.

• Our pastors host a mid-week talk show called “Meet in the Middle” that focuses on encouraging our members during this difficult time.

• Easter Baskets were shared with our teachers in a car line.

• A small study group my wife and I belong to has met now for seven weeks in a row-a record for us!

• Members will drive by this Sunday to pick up milk weed plants to plant for their moms to attract butterflies-a potent symbol of hope that we will soon leave our cocoons!

By no means do we want to let these “silver linings” deflect from the very real suffering around us. But just as people of faith have found ways to “keep the faith” in all manners of trials it is good to know that this time is no different. And who knows? Perhaps our hope will be the most contagious thing to outlast this pandemic.

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