Take responsibility to protect others

My name is Kathy and I was a sole proprietor. My business name was "Nails by Kathy." The shop was located on the corner of Princeton and Northwest Highway in Arlington Heights. I closed it in March of 2007 after specializing in natural nail care for over two decades. One of my main reasons for closing can be summed up by the sign below. I posted this on the wall of my nail salon in the late 90s. I had legal counsel on how to word this sign, so as to be sure that this would not become a legal matter. I did this after repeatedly getting sick from clients that were contagiously sick, who did not have the common sense and common courtesy to cancel their scheduled appointments.

At that time, I washed my hands before any service performed. I also had my clients wash their hands before any hand care service. Hand-washing is a health department regulation in Arlington Heights in the nail care business. The hand-washing protocol is only one of the many ways to stop the transmission of contagious illnesses.

This is how the sign was worded: "Dear Valued Client,

For my safety and health, as well as yours, services will not be rendered to anyone in a contagious state. Please call to reschedule your appointment.

Thank you."

I don't know why many people do not consider what a selfish act they are committing by not taking the responsibility of protecting others from their contagious illnesses.

Kathy Sowa

Arlington Heights