This post is sponsored by The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, but all opinions are my own.

             It’s hard to believe it’s been 5 months since Michigan has been dealing with COVID-19. Our lives have been altered in ways we don’t love, but in many ways we’ve become closer and have been able to focus on what matters – each other. Hope is spreading, and I know it isn’t far off that we will live without the fear of COVID-19. We have to continue to utilize all the tools we’ve been given to stay healthy and stay safe, and that means masking up when we go out in public.

As scientists all over the world are concerned about a second wave emerging, citizens of Michigan are now required to wear a face mask whenever they are in an indoor public space and crowded outdoor spaces. We need to make sure we keep the virus at bay and continue to see a decrease in cases, otherwise we run the risk of overwhelming our health system again. It makes me so happy to go out to local businesses and see other Michigan residents wearing masks and doing their part to keep themselves and each other safe. Wearing a face mask and staying 6 feet apart is our best chance at beating the virus and staying healthy, especially as we enter flu season. The last thing my family wants is a second wave that closes the state and forces us back into quarantine (as much as I love my kids and husband). Our healthcare system and economy will be at risk if we simply go back to normal before it’s safe, and both of these really can’t take another hit.

As a mom, it is so important that my kids have a safe year of school – and whether your kids are in-person learning or virtual, we want to keep the momentum going. We lost so much earlier this year – graduations, dances, school recitals, sports, the list goes on. I don’t want to go through that again. We can return to normal faster if we wear masks now and continue to stop the spread.

I love my mask. I found a version that fits me perfectly, comes in great patterns, washes well and feels good on. I’ve found that finding the right mask for you is important. You don’t need to wear a scratchy, uncomfortable type. If a family member or even you are finding it hard to wear a mask, I highly recommend using a soft, all cotton version. You want to be comfortable and be able to breathe easily while wearing a face covering. They shouldn’t be hard or itchy, too thick that you find it hard to breathe, or slip off. Find a pattern that you love or that matches the colors you usually wear. Get a size that fits your face and fits smoothly behind your ears or around your head. There are so many versions out there – and so many patterns and colors, you are sure to find a few you love. We made it fun for my kids to find masks they love – my son has a superhero mask and my daughter picked out some fun prints that include tie dye. Scientists and doctors agree that wearing a mask can help to reduce the spread of the virus by 70%. That’s huge!

Masks do not have to be worn all the time – just when you are indoors in public or in a crowded outdoor setting. This is to protect yourself and those around you. If you feel healthy, you can still carry and have the virus by being asymptomatic, meaning you can still spread it to someone – a person with a compromised immune system or at high risk. Or worse – you could spread it to someone who is healthy and becomes asymptomatic as well but spreads it to one of their close family members at risk. The most important thing we can do right now is to put our egos aside and realize that wearing a mask is helping our neighbors. It isn’t about me, it’s about us.

                  My family and I wear masks in public. It’s become second nature and something we don’t feel weird doing – it’s the contrary. We feel strong, empowered, and we know we are doing our part to keep each other healthy. Businesses open to the public will refuse entry or service to those who decline to wear a face covering. I keep a full set of masks in my car, so I never show up somewhere without one. I use reusable, washable masks to reduce waste and to keep PPE in the hospitals where they really need it.

                  As we enter flu season, it’s all the more important to follow all everyday practices that can keep us healthy. Wash your hands often, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, use hand sanitizer, and cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing. Spread hope, not COVID by masking up and joining me in keeping Michiganders safe! You can learn more about preventing the spread here.