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		<title>Acne Scar Removal Face Mask</title>
		<link>https://amazinghealthadvances.net/acne-scar-removal-face-mask-8627/#utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=acne-scar-removal-face-mask-8627</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[The AHA! Team]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 11 Jul 2025 05:44:38 +0000</pubDate>
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		<category><![CDATA[Diet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lifestyle]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Skin Care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[acne]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[acne causes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[acne scars]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[clearing acne]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DIY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dr. Axe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[face mask]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://amazinghealthadvances.net/?p=17915</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Kyra Oliver via Dr. Axe &#8211; Having acne is no picnic for anyone. Not only do people suffer from the embarrassing state of their skin, but often it can leave behind nasty acne scars that can last a lifetime if left untreated, leaving many searching for ways to get rid of scarring, such as an acne scar removal face mask. Unfortunately, in search of how to get rid of acne scars, most rush to the nearest drugstore for ineffective topical medications or get dangerous prescription drugs that are often equally useless. To really make a difference, you must address the cause (clogged pores, bacteria, excess oil production, hormones, diet, stress and certain medications) of your acne and use the best home remedies for acne. Next, to address the unsightly scars that can form, try this acne scar removal face mask. Utilizing essential oils for acne, such as tea tree, frankincense and helichrysum essential oils, it’s a careful blend of powerful ingredients meant to naturally reduce scarring. Key ingredients Acne scars can be frustrating reminders of past breakouts, often affecting confidence long after the pimples are gone. Natural remedies offer a gentle yet effective way to fade these marks over time. This simple, do-it-yourself face mask powered by healing oils and wholesome ingredients is perfect for those seeking a fresh-faced glow without harsh chemicals. Here are the key players in this DIY acne scar removal face mask. Lemon juice A natural astringent and mild bleaching agent, lemon juice helps lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation associated with acne scars. It also provides antioxidant protection. Honey With its natural humectant properties, honey keeps skin hydrated while promoting wound healing. It also possesses antibacterial qualities, supporting scar recovery. Almond oil A light, non‑comedogenic carrier oil rich in vitamins E and A, almond oil soothes inflammation, nourishes the skin and supports optimal healing. Its gentle texture makes it ideal for delicate post-acne skin. Tea tree essential oil Tea tree oil is a powerhouse for acne and blemish-prone skin thanks to its antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. It speeds healing and helps fade scars. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that topical 5 percent tea tree oil for acne was 3.55 times and 5.75 times more effective than the placebo in treating mild to moderate acne. Frankincense essential oil Known for its astringent and regenerative properties, frankincense improves skin tone, reduces scar visibility and supports healing. It helps tighten pores and even skin texture. Helichrysum essential oil Often called the “immortelle” oil, helichrysum essential oil reduces inflammation and promotes tissue repair. Clinically recognized for its anti-inflammatory components like arzanol, it’s highly regarded for scar therapy. Unsurprisingly, it’s one of the top essential oils for scars, which is why it’s part of this acne scar removal face mask. How to make an acne scar removal face mask This homemade acne scar removal face mask takes less than 10 minutes to make, and it’s certainly worth the little time it takes. To start, combine the lemon juice, honey and almond oil in a jar, and mix until smooth. Then, add the essential oils, and stir gently to distribute them throughout the mixture. Mix it all well, and it’s ready to go. To use this DIY acne scar removal face mask, perform a patch test first on a small area of your skin (such as your inner arm) to make sure you don’t have a negative skin reaction. If your skin doesn’t have irritation or sensitivity, it’s safe for sure. Apply a thin, even layer to clean, dry skin, focusing on the areas with acne scars. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, and feel free to apply it daily. After 15-20 minutes, rinse this acne scar removal face mask off with lukewarm water. Pat dry the area, and use a gentle moisturizer after for optimal skin benefits. Try this mask once daily for about eight to 10 days. If you notice any discomfort, discontinue use, or apply every other day. Safety tips Patch test before use: Discontinue if skin becomes red, itchy or inflamed. Sun sensitivity alert: Lemon juice can increase UV sensitivity. Always use sunscreen after. Stick to pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils to ensure safety and efficacy. This DIY acne scar face mask combines time-tested natural ingredients into a potent blend that fades scars gently over time. With consistent use (and sun protection), it supports brighter, smoother skin. Just be patient: Natural healing takes weeks to months. It does not create miracles in days. More DIY face mask recipes This acne scar removal face mask is hardly the only natural skin care mask recipe you can make. Here are some more skin-supporting face masks to try: DIY Turmeric Face Mask for Glowing Skin Homemade Avocado Face Mask DIY Charcoal Mask with Rosehip and Tea Tree Oils DIY Blackhead Removal Mask with Turmeric, Peppermint &#038; Frankincense Acne Scar Removal Face Mask Author: Kyra Oliver / Total Time: 5 min / Yield: 10 uses Want to get rid of acne scars? Prepare this homemade acne scar removal face mask made up of essential oils and see results for yourself. Ingredients 3 tablespoons lemon juice 3 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons almond oil (or olive oil) 8–10 drops tea tree essential oil 8–10 drops frankincense essential oil 6–8 drops helichrysum essential oil Instructions Combine all ingredients into a jar. Mix well. Apply daily, leaving on the skin for 10-15 minutes. Wash thoroughly. Try this mask once daily for about 8-10 days. If you notice any discomfort, discontinue use, or apply every other day. To read the original article click here.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://amazinghealthadvances.net/acne-scar-removal-face-mask-8627/">Acne Scar Removal Face Mask</a> appeared first on <a href="https://amazinghealthadvances.net">Amazing Health Advances</a>.</p>
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		<title>Are You Aware That You’re Inhaling Toxic Chemicals When You Wear a Face Mask?</title>
		<link>https://amazinghealthadvances.net/inhaling-toxic-chemicals-when-you-wear-a-face-mask-8257/#utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=inhaling-toxic-chemicals-when-you-wear-a-face-mask-8257</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[The AHA! Team]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 30 Aug 2024 08:55:30 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Archive]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Coronavirus (Covid-19)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health Disruptors]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Natural News]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://amazinghealthadvances.net/?p=16183</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Olivia Cook via Natural News &#8211; Wearing face masks has become a global norm following the onset of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, with many governments around the world often mandating these coverings for people in public. But recent research reveals concerning findings about their safety. Masks, especially surgical and reusable FFF types have been found to emit potentially harmful chemical compounds. A study published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety in April 2024 highlighted that masks could release up to almost 5,400 microplastic particles in 24 hours, with surgical masks emitting more than 3,150 microfibers in under an hour. Masks could release up to almost 5,400 microplastic particles in 24 hours Researchers from Germany and Switzerland reviewed 24 studies, involving more than 630 masks, including cloth, N95 and surgical varieties. They discovered that 63 percent of the masks released alarming amounts of microplastics and nanoplastics, organophosphate esters and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons compared to other mask types. (Related: N95 masks expose wearers to dangerous levels of toxic cancer- and seizure-causing compounds, study finds.) Meanwhile, surgical masks were linked to higher emissions of heavy metals, phthalates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) similar to textile masks. Some of the detected substances, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), titanium dioxide (TiO2) and VOCs, were found to exceed safe exposure limits. A 2022 study published in Nature also raised concerns about TiO2, a potential carcinogen, urging stricter regulations. Study finds plasticizers, heavy metals, PFAS and VOCs in face masks A recent study published in Environment International examined four types of face masks to identify the presence of 31 plasticizers and to assess how much of these compounds could be inhaled during use. Plasticizers are plastic-derived substances added to materials during the manufacturing process to make them softer and more flexible. Although all mask types had similar overall plasticizer levels, the study found that surgical and FFF2 masks commonly used in Europe have the highest plasticizer release rates at almost four percent and nearly five percent, respectively. The Environmental and Water Chemistry for Human Health group conducted the research at the Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research in Barcelona, Spain. The researchers highlighted that most face masks are made from synthetic materials, like polypropylene, polystyrene terephthalate and polyester, with plasticizers added to enhance fire resistance, flexibility and softness. Heavy metals, PFAS and VOCs were found in others. To simulate real-life mask use, the researchers conducted inhalation experiments using paper mache dummy heads. Higher temperatures – resembling human breath – led to increased release of plastic additives. Release rates varied significantly, ranging from 0.1 percent to 95 percent, depending on the compound and mask type. Notably, organophosphate esters and phthalates showed average release rates of 1.0 percent and 1.2 percent, respectively. Surgical and FFF2 masks had the highest overall release rates, while reusable masks showed the lowest at 0.6 percent. N95 masks had a 1.2 percent release rate. One concerning finding was a surgical mask that released 95 percent of a compound called acetyl tributyl citrate, a potential endocrine disruptor. Surgical and FFF2 masks had the highest overall release rates While the released plasticizer levels remained below established safety thresholds, the researchers emphasized that face masks represent an additional exposure pathway. The study warns that even at low levels, exposure to plasticizers poses genotoxic (DNA damage), immunotoxic (affects the immune system) and teratogenic (causes birth defects) risks, especially for vulnerable groups, such as children and pregnant women. Additionally, plasticizers have been linked to declining sperm counts and potential fertility issues, raising concerns about their impact on future generations. Watch the following video showing how disposable surgical face masks are made of synthetic fibers that can enter the body. This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com ScienceDirect.com 1 Nature.com ScienceDirect.com 2 ScienceDirect.com 3 Brighteon.com To read the original article, click here: https://www.naturalnews.com/2024-08-15-dangerous-chemicals-inhaling-when-wearing-face-masks.html</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://amazinghealthadvances.net/inhaling-toxic-chemicals-when-you-wear-a-face-mask-8257/">Are You Aware That You’re Inhaling Toxic Chemicals When You Wear a Face Mask?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://amazinghealthadvances.net">Amazing Health Advances</a>.</p>
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		<title>Behind the Mask with a WVU Doctor: What to Wear and Whether Face Coverings Should Be Mandated</title>
		<link>https://amazinghealthadvances.net/behind-the-mask-with-a-wvu-doctor-what-to-wear-and-whether-face-coverings-should-be-mandated-6554/#utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=behind-the-mask-with-a-wvu-doctor-what-to-wear-and-whether-face-coverings-should-be-mandated-6554</link>
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		<pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2020 07:00:17 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://amazinghealthadvances.net/?p=8768</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>West Virginia University via Newswise &#8211; “To mask or to not mask” is no longer the primary question dominating the COVID-19 public discourse. As states reopen amid the pandemic, the question now is, “Should face coverings be required in public?” Mandates vary by state. In West Virginia, Gov. Jim Justice has strongly encouraged people to wear masks in public. In neighboring Maryland, Gov. Larry Hogan has ordered face coverings to be worn inside retail stores and on public transportation. Dr. Robert Gerbo, director of Occupational Medicine at West Virginia University, addressed that debate and unmasked his expertise on when and how to cover up. Most recently, Gerbo has been involved in research exploring alternative masks for the N95. Should Face Coverings in Public Be Mandatory? So I&#8217;m going to put you on the spot. Do you think wearing face coverings in public should be mandatory? The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) does not say it should be mandatory but does recommend it. At this point, I’d rather convince people that it’s a good idea to wear a face covering in public than mandate it by law. I highly recommend wearing a face covering in public places. When Is it Appropriate to Wear a Face Covering? My recommendations mirror the CDC’s – you should use a face covering when going out into public or when the ability to physically distance yourself from others is going to be a challenge. For example, going to the grocery store or the pharmacy. But it doesn’t replace good handwashing and the use of hand sanitizer. This is in addition to remaining at home and away from others if you can. What Are the Most Effective Types of Face Coverings to Wear in Public? Typically, a cotton face mask with more than one layer. A tightly-woven, cotton fabric with two or more layers should work. Some people talk about surgical masks and N95s, but with the supply chain and low stock, it’s recommended those be reserved for healthcare providers and first responders. Those folks are at the greatest risk. Social distancing can’t be maintained when examining and caring for a patient. How Effective Are Surgical Masks at Protecting Those Who Wear Them from Contracting COVID-19? What a lot of people don&#8217;t realize is that the benefit of a surgical mask is not for the person wearing it. It’s for the patient, so that they are protected from the germs of the healthcare provider. A surgical mask does not provide adequate protection against aerosolized germs for the person wearing it. Do Masks Breed Bacteria You&#8217;re Breathing in and Can it Be Harmful? After a while, any face (or body) covering will harbor bacteria that is potentially, but not usually, harmful. That&#8217;s a benefit of a cotton face covering; it is easily laundered, dried and reused. Disposable face coverings, like surgical masks, cannot withstand going through the washing machine and dryer. Since you’re the head of Occupational Medicine (which centers on preventing and managing occupational injury and illness) at WVU, what emerging trends or patterns have you noticed regarding COVID-19 in work environments? Reports of outbreaks in some meat and poultry processing facilities come to mind. On the job it&#8217;s about maintaining physical distance between co-workers, engineering controls like good ventilation and clear plastic or plexiglass shields, wearing a face mask, good handwashing practices and the use of hand sanitizers, and frequently reminding workers about theses preventive measures. Most importantly, if you’re sick, stay at home. I also think it’s going to be a bit of time before we start gathering in large groups like at sports stadiums and concert halls. Any Other Insights? I wear my mask every time I go to the grocery store. I wear my mask when I walk the halls here at the Health Sciences Center, even though there currently aren&#8217;t as many people. I practice what I preach. I’ve had some very nice people provide me with homemade masks. Some depict superheroes. One has a John Deere tractor theme. I appreciate their thoughtfulness and how they added a special flair to the masks. You know what else? Face coverings remind us not to touch our faces and are a visible reminder to folks to keep the distance and not get complacent. To read the original article click here.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://amazinghealthadvances.net/behind-the-mask-with-a-wvu-doctor-what-to-wear-and-whether-face-coverings-should-be-mandated-6554/">Behind the Mask with a WVU Doctor: What to Wear and Whether Face Coverings Should Be Mandated</a> appeared first on <a href="https://amazinghealthadvances.net">Amazing Health Advances</a>.</p>
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		<title>Antimicrobial Washable Facemasks Enter US Market</title>
		<link>https://amazinghealthadvances.net/antimicrobial-washable-facemasks-enter-us-market-6541/#utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=antimicrobial-washable-facemasks-enter-us-market-6541</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[AHA Publisher]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2020 07:00:46 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Archive]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[antimicrobial]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://amazinghealthadvances.net/?p=8723</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Abigail Klein Leichman via Israel21c &#8211; Sonovia’s reusable cotton-poly SonoMask are infused with metal-oxide nanoparticles that kill germs and last through 100 washings. Reusable antimicrobial SonoMasks from Israeli startup Sonovia Tech have entered the US market in four sizes. The cotton-polyester facemasks are infused with metal-oxide nanoparticles that kill germs and last through 100 washings. “Our pioneering reusable SonoMask has been designed not only to offer advanced PPE but also to conserve the environment and spread resources effectively,” says Sonovia research scientist Jason Migdal. He points out that many countries now require wearing masks in public. “Our SonoMask launched commercially at the beginning of March, after large quantities were donated to hospitals in Israel and Germany, and to nonprofit charity organizations in Israel, France, Germany, South Africa and Australia,” Migdal says. Now making 20,000 masks per day at a factory in northern Israel, Sonovia is seeking to sell in bulk quantities to medical institutions and retailers globally. Client bases have already emerged in Florida and New York, says Migdal. “We are also in talks to supply Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City and hospitals in South Carolina and Texas once we have completed Emergency Usage Authorization for FDA approval for medical personnel specifically.” The company is working with several international labs to affirm the treated textile’s active antiviral capability. It has already been shown that the SonoMask blocks 98% of 5-micron particles – the size of droplets that the World Health Organization believes transmit Covid-19 contagion. Sonovia is doing an enhanced filtration test of 3 microns to meet French standards for occupational use. To better service American customers, Sonovia has set up a facility in Connecticut for domestic shipping. The price is $45 for one mask, with discounts for multiple units; see the website for details. “We now provide the SonoMask in sizes S, M, L and XL. For occupational workers such as dentists working in areas of high risk of contamination, future models of the SonoMask will come with the option to insert a very fine 0.2-micron filter to protect against high-velocity aerosols,” Migdal tells ISRAEL21c. With evidence emerging that pets and wild animals can become infected with Covid-19, Sonovia is designing a mask for dogs and cats as it awaits further scientific data on this phenomenon. Migdal says Sonovia will soon be listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and its propriety fabric will be featured in a conceptual sculpture to be displayed in a New York art gallery. “By the end of 2020 we plan to form strategic partnerships that would allow large-scale commercialization. Then we can diversify our technological application from just facemasks to all PPE.” To read the original article click here. For more articles from Israel21c click here.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://amazinghealthadvances.net/antimicrobial-washable-facemasks-enter-us-market-6541/">Antimicrobial Washable Facemasks Enter US Market</a> appeared first on <a href="https://amazinghealthadvances.net">Amazing Health Advances</a>.</p>
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		<title>New Design Will Allow Manufacturers to Mass-Produce PPE for Healthcare Workers</title>
		<link>https://amazinghealthadvances.net/new-design-will-allow-manufacturers-to-mass-produce-ppe-for-healthcare-workers-6455/#utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=new-design-will-allow-manufacturers-to-mass-produce-ppe-for-healthcare-workers-6455</link>
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		<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2020 07:00:52 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://amazinghealthadvances.net/?p=8402</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>University of Massachusetts Amherst via News-Medical Net &#8211; In just under two weeks, researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, with engineers, nurses and other health care professionals, have developed a design informed by clinical feedback for protective plastic face shields as the nation combats the spread of the coronavirus. It will be made available to manufacturers to mass-produce personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care workers and others. A Southbridge, Mass., company, K+K Thermoforming, is now producing the first order of 80,000 shields placed by the Face Shield COVID-19 Response Team at UMass Amherst. Shields will be distributed to medical facilities and other front-line responders in the region before an expected virus peak in mid-April, says Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS) director Peter Reinhart, who helped to organize a number of UMass Amherst COVID-19 Response Teams. The company says it will continue production based on demand, he adds. UMass Amherst has contributed more than $30,000 for the initial order, as well as the hundreds of volunteer hours spent designing, testing, revising and manufacturing the shields, Reinhart said, noting, &#8220;The campus response to requests for help to address COVID-19-related shortages has been extraordinary.&#8221; More than a dozen COVID-19 response teams on campus are working to help healthcare workers and others with needs, from face shields to ventilator parts to viral transport medium for virus tests. Members of the face shield and IALS teams are approved to be in a lab for the COVID-19 response, but most work is done remotely, they say, and many team members have never met. Face shield team leaders Frank Sup and Meghan Huber of mechanical and industrial engineering at UMass Amherst say a variety of engineering, nursing and other researchers teamed up to meet the need. &#8220;Given the number of requests we receive on a daily basis, we know the need is dire. They&#8217;re in crisis mode, that&#8217;s why we&#8217;re working so quickly.&#8221; (Meghan Huber of mechanical and industrial engineering at UMass Amherst) Sup recalls, &#8220;We knew existing supply chains were not keeping up with demand and needed to turn to alternative manufacturing options for this emergency. We also knew that package manufacturing companies had the materials on hand that might be underutilized. We found these manufacturers could scale up the production of face shields in a matter of days to meet the vast and urgent need. All they needed was the design.&#8221; How Face Shields Mitigate Risk of Contamination A face shield protects the eyes and can be worn over an N95 mask to mitigate the risk of contamination, says Huber. It is made from a single, flexible sheet of 0.010-inch plastic film designed and tested in IALS&#8217;s Advanced Digital Design and Fabrication (ADDFab) Lab, says core facility director David Follette. It folds to wrap around the forehead and fastens securely at the back with no added materials needed. This is important, Follette adds, because 3D printing a strap, for example, is slow and inefficient. &#8220;You could use all the 3D printers in the world but it&#8217;s never going to be as fast as laser-cut or die-cut plastic sheets. We decided early that our product would have to be not only effective, but cheap and fast,&#8221; he says. To supply large quantities requires high-volume manufacturing, he adds. Their final design can be made in seconds. It&#8217;s flat for easy storage, Sup notes, and its light weight makes shipping more affordable. Important Input from Nurses Testing the shield&#8217;s clinical usefulness was assisted by nurses and technicians from the College of Nursing. Associate Professor and AAAS Invention Ambassador Rachel Walker and Ph.D. student Ellen Smithline say they are impressed that the IALS designers sought user perspectives. Walker, with emergency nursing experience from other large-scale humanitarian disasters, says, &#8220;Nurses are so close to what the challenges are, you avoid a lot of pain by working with them early. Your product may be beautiful, but it may not function for the people and providers who actually have to use it.&#8221; Smithline agrees. &#8220;Nationally, it&#8217;s unusual to include nurses at the beginning. The UMass project shows what you can accomplish if you have a good collaboration.&#8221; She and Walker asked area colleagues to use and provide feedback on a series of prototypes. Based on this, Smithline, with 26 years of ER experience including with SARS and Ebola, and her ER physician husband, Dr. Howard Smithline, suggested modifications &#8211; a longer strap to adjust to head size, pony tails, glasses and safety goggles. Smithline knew fogging can be a problem, so the team investigated pre-coating with anti-fog material. Not only should PPE be comfortable, Smithline suggested, she wanted a place for the care provider&#8217;s name &#8220;because eventually everyone looks the same if you&#8217;re wearing an N95, head covering, safety goggles and gown. You may not know who you are talking to. It&#8217;s also important to have good vision to provide safe care without fear of exposure.&#8221; Walker says it was important to get input from home care agencies, hospices and others. She says, &#8220;Delivering health care in a disaster is a very haunting and horrible thing. I have deep empathy for my colleagues who are going through this right now.&#8221; To find local manufacturers, IALS&#8217; Reinhart turned to Jim Flynn, the new assistant dean of research business development at the College of Information and Computer Sciences. He says, &#8220;When I call a company and say I&#8217;m with a UMass Amherst COVID-19 Response Team and we need help making equipment for healthcare workers, they patch me through to the president. Being from UMass Amherst gives us instant credibility.&#8221; Among many others, Huber, Sup and Follette salute technical staff Colby Norwood in the mechanical engineering department&#8217;s machine shop and Asmit Jain in the IALS ADDFab Lab for their tireless contributions. Reinhart adds, &#8220;The COVID-19 crisis has forced us to rapidly explore new ways of collaborating against a backdrop of social distancing. The effectiveness of the &#8216;virtual team&#8217; model has been spectacular.&#8221; To read the original article click here.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://amazinghealthadvances.net/new-design-will-allow-manufacturers-to-mass-produce-ppe-for-healthcare-workers-6455/">New Design Will Allow Manufacturers to Mass-Produce PPE for Healthcare Workers</a> appeared first on <a href="https://amazinghealthadvances.net">Amazing Health Advances</a>.</p>
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		<title>Wearing Surgical Masks in Public Could Help Slow COVID-19 Pandemic&#8217;s Advance</title>
		<link>https://amazinghealthadvances.net/wearing-surgical-masks-in-public-could-help-slow-covid-19-pandemics-advance-6453/#utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=wearing-surgical-masks-in-public-could-help-slow-covid-19-pandemics-advance-6453</link>
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		<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2020 07:00:02 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://amazinghealthadvances.net/?p=8396</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>University of Maryland, College Park via Newswise &#8211; Surgical masks may help prevent infected people from making others sick with seasonal viruses, including coronaviruses, according to new research that could help settle a fierce debate spanning clinical and cultural norms. Newswise — In laboratory experiments, the masks significantly reduced the amounts of various airborne viruses coming from infected patients, measured using the breath-capturing &#8220;Gesundheit II machine&#8221; developed by Dr. Don Milton, a professor of applied environmental health in the University of Maryland School of Public Health and a senior author of the study published April 3 in the journal Nature Medicine. Milton has already conferred with federal and White House health officials on the findings, which closely follow statements this week from the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention saying the agency was reconsidering oft-stated advice that surgical masks aren&#8217;t a useful precaution outside of medical settings. (The debate takes place at a time when clinicians themselves face dangerously inadequate supplies of masks&#8211;a shortfall other UMD researchers are scrambling to help solve.) The question of masks has roiled society as well, with some retailers refusing to let employees wear them for fear of sending negative signals to customers, and cases of slurs and even physical attacks in the United States and elsewhere against Asians or Asian Americans who were wearing masks, a measure some consider a necessity during a disease outbreak. The study, conducted prior to the current pandemic with a student of Milton&#8217;s colleagues on the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong, does not address the question of whether surgical masks protect wearers from infection. It does suggest that masks may limit how much the infected&#8211;who in the case of the novel coronavirus often don&#8217;t have symptoms&#8211;spread diseases including influenza, rhinoviruses and coronaviruses. Milton, who runs the Public Health Aerobiology, Virology, and Exhaled Biomarker Laboratory in the School of Public Health, demonstrated in a 2013 study that surgical masks could help limit flu transmission. However, he cautions that the effect may not be as great outside of controlled settings. Nevertheless, he said, the chance they could help justifies taking a new look at whether all people should be encouraged to wear them when they venture out of their houses to stores or other populated locations during the current COVID-19 lockdown. &#8220;In normal times we&#8217;d say that if it wasn&#8217;t shown statistically significant or the effective in real-world studies, we don&#8217;t recommend it,&#8221; he said. &#8220;But in the middle of a pandemic, we&#8217;re desperate. The thinking is that even if it cuts down transmission a little bit, it&#8217;s worth trying.&#8221; Previous studies have shown that coronavirus and other respiratory infections are mostly spread during close contact, which has been interpreted by some infectious disease specialists to mean that the disease could spread only through contact and large droplets, such as from a cough or sneeze&#8211;a message that has often been shared with the public. &#8220;What they don&#8217;t understand is that is merely a hypothesis,&#8221; Milton said. The current study (along with earlier ones) shows, by contrast, that tiny, aerosolized droplets can indeed diffuse through the air. That means it may be possible to contract COVID-19 not only by being coughed on, but by simply inhaling the breath of someone nearby who has it, whether they have symptoms or not. Surgical masks, however, catch a lot of the aerosolized virus as it&#8217;s exhaled, he said. The study was conducted at the University of Hong Kong as part of the dissertation research of the lead author, Dr. Nancy Leung, who, under the supervision of the co-senior authors Drs. Cowling and Milton, recruited 246 people with suspected respiratory viral infections. Milton&#8217;s Gesundheit machine compared how much virus they exhaled with and without a surgical mask. &#8220;In 111 people infected by either coronavirus, influenza virus or rhinovirus, masks reduced detectable virus in respiratory droplets and aerosols for seasonal coronaviruses, and in respiratory droplets for influenza virus,&#8221; Leung said. &#8220;In contrast, masks did not reduce the emission of rhinoviruses.&#8221; Although the experiment took place before the current pandemic, COVID-19 and seasonal coronaviruses are closely related and may be of similar particle size. The report&#8217;s other senior author, Professor Benjamin Cowling, division head of epidemiology and biostatistics, School of Public Health, HKUMed, and co-director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, said, &#8220;The ability of surgical masks to reduce seasonal coronavirus in respiratory droplets and aerosols implies that such masks can contribute to slowing the spread of (COVID-19) when worn by infected people.&#8221; Milton pointed to other measures his research has found is even more effective than masks, such as improving ventilation in public places like grocery stores, or installing UV-C lights near the ceiling that works in conjunction with ceiling fans to pull air upwards and destroy viruses and bacteria. &#8220;Personal protective equipment like N95 masks are not our first line of defense,&#8221; Milton said. &#8220;They are our last desperate thing that we do.&#8221; To read the original article click here.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://amazinghealthadvances.net/wearing-surgical-masks-in-public-could-help-slow-covid-19-pandemics-advance-6453/">Wearing Surgical Masks in Public Could Help Slow COVID-19 Pandemic&#8217;s Advance</a> appeared first on <a href="https://amazinghealthadvances.net">Amazing Health Advances</a>.</p>
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