Personal responsibility
The COVID numbers are rising. Dr. Green, our lieutenant governor, is considering another lockdown. Dr. Kaohimanu Dang Akiona wrote an excellent My Turn piece Aug. 18 that “We need to do better.’
I have some comments to share with my Big Island neighbors. I have watched you enter our stores and you are not consistently using the hand sanitizer.
Fortunately, we have a grocery store, KTA Super Stores, who thankfully continues to staff a greeter to enforce this. There is also a home garden store, Home Depot, that also has a greeter. Other stores provide hand sanitizer, but more often than not I see many shoppers just scoot past the hand sanitizer. Please everyone if you are going to shop inside the store, please use the hand sanitizer.
I also see you pulling on your masks, as I know they are a hassle, it is hot and you “cheat” by exposing your nose, so stop this! Now your hands have “crud” on them. How do you think the virus gets into our system? It is through our nose and mouth cavities, especially when you are more susceptible and your immune system is weak for various health reasons. This is why the hand sanitizer is so necessary.
You are putting the rest of us at risk. Our leaders are working hard to “conquer” this pandemic but you are not cooperating. Also please dispose of your paper masks daily. I see your dirty masks and wonder how many days you have been using the same paper mask. For those who are using washable masks, thank you, and please wash them in hot water daily.
Other ways you can demonstrate personal responsibility is to build up your immune system. Keep your mouth clean by seeing your dentist and hygienist for routine care and cleaning. Brush your teeth, floss and use an oral irrigation device, with the dentist’s recommended solution, to keep your mouth clean.
Other ways you can improve your natural immunity is to get plenty of sleep, eat healthy (fruits and veggies) and take supplements. Work with your health care provider in how you can improve your health and take personal responsibility or otherwise we are going to succumb to another unfortunate lockdown that will be very difficult for our local businesses and our economy to recover from. Come on Kona, do your part!
Karen Klemme
Kona
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