As I sit here writing this in my comfortable trackie dacks and Ugg boots instead of being at work it seems I have become a bi-product victim of Covid19, or at least the wearing of masks.

Now, before someone gets all excited and says I am dissing the wearing of masks or going for sympathy I will state that it is a NO to both of those as I would rather be at work and wearing a mask to keep the world safe.

Over the weeks that we have had to wear masks when indoors in a public space like at work I have had to wear a mask from 8am to 5pm with very little break, this is something that all in retail would have to endure. Like many others, I also have to wear one when out or in my case for Council duties which can add a few more hours under the mask.

Over these weeks I have developed a persistent cough with lung irritation when trying to talk to others, not much fun when that is what you need to do for your job.

A week ago, I tried to make a doctor’s appointment but because it was for a raspatory issue it had to be a “tele-health” consultation, another first for me in this time of covid.

I wondered how this would go but have to admit it was a very easy discussion with my doctor about my issues and what it could be that is affecting me. It seems that I am now suffering from some sort of asthma issue and a puffer, along with an x-ray were ordered.

Having a GP that you have seen for years is a good thing as she was able to look up things that have occurred in the past that might have flagged issues in this area and there it was in the early 2000’s a persistent dry cough at this time of year. I don’t really remember it, but you don’t argue with the doctor.

Bizarrely I don’t have an issue when running or heavy exercise so it's not a lung capacity thing it is only really triggered by wearing the mask and breathing my own breath back in, oh and if I laugh that too can trigger a coughing fit along with a laughing fit.

After a few days on the puffer, things started to ease but that was over the last weekend when the mask was rarely on but by Thursday it was back in full swing.

I hope that a few days without the mask and not having to talk too much, my family will be happy with that, will give the body a rest and the puffer will do its job more effectively.

The point in all of this is that whilst we may be trying to do the right things to avoid the spread of Covid19 by wearing masks, social distancing, sanitising and most importantly getting vaccinated we shouldn’t neglect other areas of our health such as this or the mental strain of the constant worry for our health and that of the rest of the community.

As we focus on one part of our and the community health issues don’t miss the signs of other things to consider along the way.

Neil Marks is Deputy Mayor of Lismore City Councillor who, after 33 years as a radio broadcaster, now has a day job in a Lismore motorcycle shop where he gets to indulge his passion for all things two-wheeled and motorised. He's also the voice of the Lismore Speedway.