Should You Double Mask?

Today is the 135th Groundhog Day! On this day, one groundhog is responsible for predicting when winter will end.

 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 

By Stephanie Cornwell, Editorial Assistant Today is the 135th Groundhog Day! On this day, one groundhog is responsible for predicting when winter will end—and he said we have six more weeks to go. Today's Top Story How to Double Mask Correctly In a country where the decision to wear a mask is still divisive, the idea of double masking seems like a hard sell. Omicron cases are still surging, and it's as good a time as ever to take every precaution.   Double masking—wearing a cloth mask over a three-ply surgical mask—helps prevent the spread of COVID by providing more protection.   The CDC reports that double masking blocks the transmission of cough particles 30% better than wearing either mask alone. When worn together, the masks block over 85% of cough particles.   The cloth mask helps tighten the gaps around the nose and mouth that a surgical mask doesn't cover, preventing respiratory droplets from sneaking it. Know More You should only double mask with a cloth mask on top of a surgical one. Two surgical masks don't fit snuggly over the nose and mouth, so they aren't offering as much protection. If you're wearing an N95, do not wear a mask over it, since that can block the respirator and interrupt breathing. Feel Better Apart from getting vaccinated and wearing an N95, the best way to protect yourself from COVID is to wear a surgical mask underneath a cloth mask. READ MORE AHA Issues New Guidelines for Performing CPR During Pandemic The American Heart Association has updated its CPR guidelines in response to COVID. The guidelines encourage healthcare workers to wear N95 masks and other PPE while performing CPR. While the new policies protect healthcare workers, anyone performing CPR should wear a mask. READ MORE Telehealth Is Helping More People Get Surgical Care The pandemic forced many non-essential surgical appointments online. Researchers found that telemedicine increased access to surgical care among underrepresented groups. Telemedicine can be a safe and convenient option for patient consultations, especially if traveling to an in-person appointment is difficult. Researchers urge improvements to increase digital literacy and access. READ MORE     In an interview with Verywell, Jyotsna Shah, PhD, recommends testing your masks before leaving the house. If you feel any air escaping, tighten your nose bridge and earloops, or find a better-fitting cloth mask. Jyotsna Shah, PhD, President and laboratory director of testing company IGeneX   In Other News   ■ Can Medieval Sleeping Habits Fix America's Insomnia? The Atlantic     ■ The Extinction Crisis That No One's Talking About. Vox     ■ It's OK to Not Be Passionate About Your Job. NPR More From Verywell What Are Peer Support Specialists? READ MORE What Triggers a Person With Borderline Personality Disorder? READ MORE Does Charcoal Toothpaste Work? READ MORE   How'd we do? If you have any feedback, send us a note at   feedback@verywell.com.       You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Verywell Health newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here.   A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005   © 2022 verywellhealth.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy