The other day, I was walking my dog, Ivy, home from the park when I tripped and fell flat on my face on the concrete sidewalk. It happened so fast, and it was really frightening. Fortunately, my injuries were minor.

That was due, in large part, to the polyester face mask which protected my jaw and lower lip.

The incident got me thinking. Why are some Americans so vehemently opposed to mask-wearing?

The way I see it, covering the bottom half of our faces has myriad benefits, besides if you happen to trip and fall.

Here are just seven of them:

• In a mad rush to walk the dog or drop off a kid? Skip the teeth brushing and wear on the mask. You can always brush your teeth later!

• Likewise, mask-wearing means there are no worries about being out in public after eating a meal. No one can see if there’s green stuff between your teeth when you’re in a mask.

• Planning to rob a bank? Nowadays, it’s much easier to get away with such a crime since so many others are wearing masks.

• As the cold weather begins, masks provide extra warmth, without having to wear one of those weird ski masks also known as “balaclavas” (who knew?).

• No need for lipstick or protection for chapped lips.

• I know I’m supposed to wear sunscreen all year round, but who has the time to apply and reapply it? Wearing a mask may help prevent skin cancer, at least on the lower half of your face.

• Wearing a mask that covers your mouth and nose means that people can only see your eyes. As we’ve all heard, the eyes are the window to the soul. Though dating is more challenging these days, masks could make finding your soulmate somewhat easier.

So please people, do yourself (and others) a favor. Keep your mask on when you’re out and about!

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