Response to Masks and Vaccines for Covid-19

 

Hello there!

Since I have re-opened, I have been getting some push-back on requiring mask-wearing at my place of business and also my decision on getting vaccinated. Here is my response:

Masks are required. My business. My health. My rules. 

Science shows that the simple common-sense practices of washing hands, using hand sanitizer, wearing masks and distancing keeps the exposure rates down. 

I have talked with other Massage & Bodywork therapists from other countries around the globe (yes, our planet) as well as my national massage organization. I have read and listened to briefings from the Wisconsin Health Services department, the CDC, the WHO, the NIH and other scientific health organizations. I have looked into what Doctors Beyond Borders and other health charitable organizations use as safety practices when working with populations that have been exposed to diseases like Malaria, Ebola, HIV/AIDS, and respiratory diseases. I have a good handle on things. My improved sanitation/disinfection routine makes my Home Studio a safe place to receive Massage & Bodywork treatments.

I am following the guidelines that were recommended to me and required to re-open safely. I have purchased PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) like gloves, harsh cleaning chemicals, masks, an air filtration machine and a room humidifier, etc. I have also gone and replaced the flooring in my treatment room to make it easier to clean. I am required to clean with disinfectant, then ventilate my space for a MINIMUM of 30 minutes. I am required to space my clients out a MINIMUM of one hour. I am required to see less clients per day to keep possible exposure rates down. I am required to wear a mask. I am required to have clients wear masks.

I have set up my treatment room and client bathroom to work in this pandemic. You will see hand sanitizer in both the treatment room and the client bathroom. There are signs posted on handwashing and using hand sanitizer. There is also a sign asking that when you flush, to put the seat cover down. Why leave it up? It's gross. The water aerosolizes your urine and fecal matter and sprays it OUT of the toilet into the air. And it floats around, landing on surfaces (that need to be wiped down by me) and be breathed in. YUCK. I have a seat cover for a reason. Give me a reason to smile through this pandemic. Use it. Close the lid and flush. Wash your hands. Thank you!

As to vaccinations: My health history back to my childhood has been filled with illness. My family history has it's own host of illness, disease and problems. I thought that after a horrific bout of Chicken pox I would never have to worry about getting Shingles...until I got Shingles. Luckily it was caught early and my case was mild. And afterwards, after talking at length with my internal medicine doctor over several months, I received the Shingles vaccine. Why? Because there is a real possibility I could contract it again. My illness does not mean I am completely immune to this disease due to my underlying health issues. I have received my boosters for other diseases when needed. I take the yearly flu shot. I hate shots. But I hate being sick even more.

Since this pandemic, I have been exposed to the Covid-19 virus at least two times; once even getting sick because I did not require mask-wearing at the time of exposure in the Home Studio. The second time was over my Christmas vacation and luckily I and my husband did not get sick. I was grateful I was closed for six weeks, as I could quarantine without cancelling appointments

I feel a deep responsibility towards you as my client. You trust me to help you with your pain and stress issues. I take your health seriously, even if you take yours for granted. I cannot call myself a true Massage & Bodywork therapist if I ignore sound practices and recommendations from the health organizations and the scientific community.

What it breaks down to is this: I'm getting the vaccination when it is available to me and my husband. That's it. No more debate. No more shaming for my personal choices. Whatever health choices you make are yours. I do me. You do you.

I'm with you on this: Covid-19 SUCKS. It mutates quickly. The scientific community learns new things about this nasty virus on a daily basis. In military terms, we are living in "a fluid situation." Which means it is constantly changing. The only way we can beat this virus is to continue doing the safe practices of hand washing, hand sanitizing, cleaning & disinfecting, ventilation, physically distancing and getting as many of the population vaccinated as soon as possible. The more we do this, the less chance each mutation will grow to overwhelm our immune system. It will get weaker and weaker until it (hopefully) dies out.

Many of my clients have elected to not come in during the Pandemic. That is okay. I understand where they are coming from. I will be here when they are ready. I also have relaxed my cancellation policy to allow for same-day cancellations/re-scheduling if you are feeling sick. No more "powering through" just so you don't miss your session. And if you think I'm being brainwashed? Well, that's your opinion. And it may be that I am not be the therapist for you. 

We will get through this through patience and faith. I am continuing to send prayers to our medical and scientific communities to keep us safe and healthy. And prayers to those afflicted and have been touched by this virus.

I appreciate every one of you who support my small business and have put up with me. You have helped me get through some dark periods of my life and kept my spirits up during this pandemic. Stay safe, stay healthy, and I will see you soon at my Home Studio!

Respectfully,

- Kim