By Guest Blogger, Cindy Johnson
In the span of six short months, a particle, 0.12 microns in size, turned the world upside down. It took root in the Hubei Province of Wuhan, China, spreading rapidly across the globe, eventually prompting the World Health Organization to declare COVID-19 a worldwide pandemic in March 2020.
Officials swiftly implemented dramatic restrictions, locking down entire countries in the hope their efforts would quell the rising number of cases. Families and individuals, faced with the unfamiliar, quickly adapted, adjusting how they worked, learned, socialized, and communicated.
As much of the world sheltered in place, scientists worked around the clock, examining the virus for clues as to how to slow, and ultimately, stop its spread. Each day brought new discoveries, prompting health officials to adjust their safety recommendations, including face mask usage among the general public.
Originally, health experts and researchers alike discouraged the use of face masks by the public fearing it would quickly diminish the supply for those on the front-line. As evidence of asymptomatic transmissions continued to grow (upward of 25% according to the CDC), officials reversed their decision, recommending that everyone wear a face mask in public where social distancing remained difficult.
It was then that Body Helix, a veteran-owned compression sleeve business located in Greensboro, NC, took action. The company’s founders, Thomas E. Parker, MD and Fred Robinson galvanized the Body Helix team, pivoting the company’s manufacturing focus from medical compression wraps/sleeves to face masks. Body Helix shifted their operations to comply with restrictions, but also to stay afloat until the virus no longer posed a threat.
Drawing upon what they do best – delivering the best in comfort, function, and hygiene – they began fabricating face masks in March. Constructed using the same closed-cell technology as the company’s innovative compression sleeves, but thinner for ultimate comfort, the Ultra-Light Face Mask Helix features a washable mask along with six disposable filters designed to reduce the transmission of airborne infections and four nasal bridge wire strips that help control air leakage and glasses fog.
As temperatures rise and restrictions begin to ease across the globe, the new ultra-thin, ultra-light mask not only protects wearers and those they come in contact with, but also helps beat the summer heat. The flexible, closed-cell fabric prevents transmission of water, viruses, and germs and fits snugly to help reduce need for adjustments and minimizes contact between hands and face.
As the world continues to learn more about this microscopic killer, one truth has become abundantly clear: COVID-19’s impact will be far-reaching. In an article by online magazine Politico, the author notes that “A global, novel virus…is already reorienting our relationship to government, to the outside world, even to each other.” But, the article is also quick to point out that “crisis moments also present opportunity.” How that opportunity will continue to present itself – from influencing the way we socialize and defend ourselves against viruses to companies like Body Helix changing the way they do business – is the question yet to be answered.
____________
According to the CDC, no mask available for public use is a replacement for other proven disease prevention measures. They continue to advise strict adherence of the following:
– Social distancing recommendations
– Wear a face covering when social distancing cannot be maintained
– Avoiding unnecessary touching of your face
– Frequent and thorough hand-washing with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds
– If soap and water are not readily available, sanitize hands using sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
About Body Helix: Since 2008, Body Helix — a global, online provider of medical compression wraps/sleeves— has delivered the best in comfort, function, and hygiene. Today, led by founders Thomas E. Parker, MD and Fred Robinson, world-ranked tennis champion, the company has pivoted its manufacturing focus, developing the Face Mask Helix to combat the spread of COVID-19. Constructed using the same closed-cell technology as the company’s innovative compression sleeves, the Face Mask Helix features a thinner fabric for comfort. It also contains two reusable wash/dry filters designed to reduce the transmission of airborne infections. Visit BodyHelix.com/product/face-mask-helix/ to learn more about the benefits the Face Mask Helix provides.
