6. Plastic dividers to decrease the spread of the coronavirus might make the problem worse
Dr. David Geier is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Charleston, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina. He helps athletes and active people feel and perform their best, regardless of age, injuries and medical history. He has been featured in major media publications and shows over 2,500 times throughout his career.
By now, we are all familiar with the plastic barriers to decrease the spread of the coronavirus in stores, schools and even nail salons. Unfortunately, it looks like those didn’t stop the spread of the virus, and it may have made the problem worse. A study published earlier this summer in Science found that desk screens in classrooms were associated with an increased risk of coronavirus infection. Scientists who study air flow and aerosols believe that these plastic dividers, while well-intentioned, change the air flow in a room and can disrupt normal ventilation. They can even create dead zones with little air flow, allowing aerosol particles with the coronavirus to become highly concentrated.
Through the stories of a dozen athletes whose injuries and recovery advanced the field (including Joan Benoit, Michael Jordan, Brandi Chastain, and Tommy John), Dr. Geier explains how sports medicine makes sports safer for the pros, amateurs, student-athletes, and weekend warriors alike.
