For these past many weeks as I have been wearing a mask while I work. I had started to question whether the mask was making a difference with breathing and specifically the oxygen level that my body was getting. So, I began testing with a pulse oximeter. And then I went online and found Google presenting me with all sorts of ideas related to masks and breathing issues, with those using it as reason to not wear a mask and the opposition stating it was a myth. Whew! Is there nothing that isn’t an “us and them” issue?
Aside from the current ideas, there is actually some research from 2008 which looked at Oxygen saturation in surgeon’s blood and found a decrease, as well as an increase in heart rate, but only after extended time. The researchers did say that other variables, intense focus during surgery and/or psychological impact of wearing a mask, could be the cause and not the breathing restrictions of the mask itself.
Which is pretty much how science research works, even though there is certainly not much of that in our media nor public mindset. People are different and the variables are too great to simplify into defitnitives. Context matters and I really look forward to a time when we as a people can realize that and start from a place of trying to understand instead of finding fault.
Along these same lines, the Cardio Key focus of this newsletter isn’t about the specific science based numbers of cardiorespiratory exercise. It is about the understanding that there are great benefits to be derived from movement. Numbers are a way to quantify, but they aren’t the goal.
Sometimes placing too much focus on that which can be measured will distract away from the true benefit. The goals of feeling and connection are real even if they can’t be objectively measured. Science can provide us with many great understandings, but as we have seen over these recent months it is very limited. In many ways, common sense and compassion can take us much further.
And, as always, let me know how I can help.
Adam
Aside from the current ideas, there is actually some research from 2008 which looked at Oxygen saturation in surgeon’s blood and found a decrease, as well as an increase in heart rate, but only after extended time. The researchers did say that other variables, intense focus during surgery and/or psychological impact of wearing a mask, could be the cause and not the breathing restrictions of the mask itself.
Which is pretty much how science research works, even though there is certainly not much of that in our media nor public mindset. People are different and the variables are too great to simplify into defitnitives. Context matters and I really look forward to a time when we as a people can realize that and start from a place of trying to understand instead of finding fault.
Along these same lines, the Cardio Key focus of this newsletter isn’t about the specific science based numbers of cardiorespiratory exercise. It is about the understanding that there are great benefits to be derived from movement. Numbers are a way to quantify, but they aren’t the goal.
Sometimes placing too much focus on that which can be measured will distract away from the true benefit. The goals of feeling and connection are real even if they can’t be objectively measured. Science can provide us with many great understandings, but as we have seen over these recent months it is very limited. In many ways, common sense and compassion can take us much further.
And, as always, let me know how I can help.
Adam
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