H1N1 ???

[twink-elle]

Hi all, I wonder if you are using extra precautions and cleaning techniques because of the H1N1 pandemic, please share.

[Sherry]

I've changed a bit.  I used to follow the advice I learned from Gary Cole's site and used one sponge per color.  I changed it to one sponge per child.  I also clean my hands with hand sanitizer between each customer.

[Alison]

Oh My Goodness.  Something else to think about.

[twink-elle]

Well, I did a big trade show today with a long line up-not pay per face, and I probably added about 30 seconds to each design because of my new precautions. I cut up sponges and used at least one per child never double dipping, I cleaned the brushes in 2 water baths, an alcohol dip and then fresh water instead of just dipping to re-load. I also wiped my hands with baby wipes and used handsanitizer between each child. I wasted quite a bit more paint than usual as well as time but I felt confident that no germs got past me. Luckily none of the children seemed sick but I was glad to take the extra steps.

[Sherry]

I don't know if I've built up an immunity from face painting for a few years, or if my new precautions are helping, but I don't seem to get sick as often as I used to.  When I first started face painting, it seemed like I kept catching things from the people at the events I was doing.

Now, I've done 2 fairs back to back, with a few events in between and I'm doing good!   

[Alison]

I turn away obviously sick kids, like everyone else.  I do Not like to get sick, and I would not want to be a hotspot for germs. 

But I just do a few simple activities to avoid this.  Then, I eat right and try to take care of myself - so far, I haven't had to put myself in a bubble to protect myself from the world.

Let's not get crazy about this.  We try on clothes in stores, we swim in public pools (to stay healthy), we take showers at the gym.....  We eat at restaurants and events including smorgasboards.  We talk and breathe the air with everyone else in the supermarket......

Following are some of the simple things that I do to keep my Face-Paints 'healthy'.  I use the same supplies on myself as on my customers (for dressing up at gigs or for practicing at home) - and I don't even average a cold, a sore-throat, or a stomach-ache once a year:

After each gig, I put my sponges through the washing machine with hot water.  When done, I put them into the microwave - 15 seconds per sponge.

I wash my brushes in cold water after each gig.

I use a hand-sanitizer frequently.  Sometimes at the gig if I feel like carrying it, but usually in the car and in the house.

I shower every day.  I avoid junk-food.  I take calm easy walks.

If a customer is obviously real sick, I apologize and explain that I like to think that everyone is really safe to be painted by me - I explain that the next time they see me, they can be sure that I would have turned away anyone Else who seemed sick because we all share the same paints.  (And I try not to breathe while facing them)

Life is a narrow bridge - There's all sorts of dangers out there.  But I still choose to touch people, to share a kiss with friends, to be kind to a stranger - even if I have to touch their money.  Do you know how many germs are passed around on Money???

[Sherry]

The Money!  I was just counting through the money I made at the fair this weekend.  I guess I should wash my hands now, just in case.   

[Alison]

Lol - Yes - That's why we should always do the basic stuff to take care of ourselves.
Money from the fair, or change at the store.  And all the other dangers.

Face-painting is just One of many.  Life is a swamp.  Air molecules travels over the whole globe.  From one breathing person in China all the way to a Face-Painter in Florida.  Or from the person standing in front of you.  In his breath.  On his skin. 

Should we try to insulate/hide from life?  Or should we develop weird obsessions about protection?  Or shouldn't we just join in and wash/touch/share/laugh -----

[Sherry]

Yeah, I think I waiver from each side.  You can't be too paranoid and be a face painter.  The touchy feely just goes with the territory I think!     Kids everywhere and practically climbing on you at times.  No worries though, because I'm a kid person and I enjoy children, but I also hate being sick, so that's why I've started making myself use the hand sanitizer and one sponge per child.  I'm not a clean freak or germaphobe, so I do have to make a conscious effort to do these things.

[twink-elle]

I'm glad I've added a few extra precautions, I was set up at the trade show right across from a public health booth asking people to use their heads and extra steps in avoiding getting sick, the nurse at the booth was happy to see the good example I was setting. Schools, churches, hospitals etc are using extra caution in our region, why not us too? It's not paranoid, it's good sense.

[colormyworld]

Well I see it from both sides.  I have destroyed my immune system and therefore last year caught EVERY FREAKING flu that came around and was out of work for months... However I haven't gotten sick since I started painting, and have been exposed to NYC subways, live in a building where crackheads would do their nightly dealings (until they finally got run out last month), sick people all around, etc. 

And when you go to a convention, I would worry more about catching germs from the hotel room than the face paints, lol.  The dirtiest thing in a hotel room is...the remote!  

People like to freak out over everything.  I think it's a part of human nature.  I smile, nod, and use common sense to keep my products safe and clean.

[Alison]

Common Sense.  Yes - that's good.

I used to do pastel-portraits.  I asked my teacher about wearing a mask and using ventilation - because some of the ingredients in the pastels (the colored dust from them got everywhere) are very toxic.  He gave me such
excellent advice that it comes with me through my life.

He said that more people have died from driving than from making pictures.  He said that if I stayed home and avoided driving as well as pastels - just sat safely on my couch - I still might get a stroke from being a couch-potato.

[MandiIlene]

I have to laugh because I am the least phobic person about germs and sickness, etc.
But I might bet sick once a year with a cold for 3 days, thats about it.
I have been a nailbiter as long as I can remember, yes I stopped biting them when I went to nail school to do nails, but at times of stress they end up back in my mouth now that I am not working in that industry anymore. I wash my hands often, and take the same precautions as the normal person I would assume. But I never go overboard. I even sit on public toilet seats! I know you guys are freaking out now right? LMAO, you can't actually catch much from them, I would be more worried about the door knob.

http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com/toilet-seats-amp-disease.html

I know my mother in law who is a nurse, thinks some things I do are crazy, but we are talking about a women who carries hospital grade disinfectant wipes with her everywhere and wipes down the gas pump before getting gas. Yeah I dont have time for that crap!

But, yes I am more careful when it comes to kids than myself I know they are more prone, etc. So I fidn myself having to enforce hand sanitizer on myself at gigs more than I usually would for their benefit.

~*~Mandi~*~

[Alison]

Hi Mandi!  I knew I liked you.

I think it's by letting people know the real me
that I'm able to find other people who think and do
the same things that I do.

If our studies make us fearful, closed, limited, then they're not really helpful, are they?
(I don't even like to watch the news every single day)