Wow!!!! I'm Going to Be the New Poster Boy for Getting a Swine Flu Shot!!"
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This just in! Got an email from the Public Relations firm that represents the California Department of Public Health. It seems someone at the CDPH saw the newspaper article and suggested we be contacted to see if Michael would be interested in participating in some media interviews.
And, unlike the SLO Tribune, they like that we wrote a book about mind/body/spirit health!
As you can imagine, Michael was on board - and you know I was. (They're interested in my take as a caregiver who went through the experience with Michael - and as an inspirational speaker who addresses caregiver groups.) They promised not to schedule any phone or article interviews for early in the morning (which Michael would have requested even before the Swine Flu) and if there's TV, we can probably do it from the San Luis Obispo TV station.
We connected with a very pleasant young woman, Kierstan DeLong, who came to realize quickly that we already had some media experience from promoting The Book of Comforts.
"You're making my job so easy!" she said with appreciation. Our pleasure, Kierstan!
And it really is. Our hearts are to use our painful experiences to help others avoid repeating them. And if we happen to promote the book and speeches and workshops along the way, well, it's in alignment with our life's mission to encourage others to realize the healthy power of being Reasonable Hedonists.
NEW SWINE FLU OUTBREAK COMING
This is all happening because the CDPH is expecting a third outbreak since the public is suffering from the delusion that the Swine Flu has run its course (they can't give the vaccine away)...and with spring break coming.
What people don't know is that it takes two weeks for the vaccination to take effect - so when it comes to students - coming to your community soon - ideally, the Health Dept. wants them to get vaccinated before spring break. (People also don't know that if they do get a cold or flu that they should see their doctor early, not late, to get the Tamiflu, just in case, as it's the only thing that can knock the Swine Flu back to a less severe version.)
The PR firm is planning a wave of media featuring a doctor. But they know that the public also wants to hear from a non-doctor person, too - and that's Michael.
I KNOW I SHOULD GET A VACCINATION, BUT...
Many of you have written to us that our situation started a fire circle of your friends getting vaccinated. But I can also tell you that I have had people look me right in the eye, express sincere sympathy for what we've been through - and then admit they are NOT going to get vaccinated! (Hold me back! Hold me back!)
You know, I understand people waffling about getting a vaccination, since many of us are suspicious about them or have heard stories about bad side effects. However, after what Michael and I have been through, I couldn't be more clear about how much better it is to GET THE DAMN VACCINATION!!!
Triple that if you have a compromised immune system...
...or live with someone who does...
... or work in an environment where you come into constant contact with people.
And by the way, let me define "compromised" or "at risk" immune systems: that's when you have a health-affecting contributing factor, such as being a SENIOR, OBESITY, CANCER HISTORY, DIABETES, HEART ISSUES, LUPUS, ASTHMA, ANEMIA...you know - anything on that noxious list they have you check off when you see a new doctor. Sadly, it's rare to be able to leave all those boxes unchecked, isn't it?
FIND YOUR LOCAL SWINE FLU VACCINE HERE
Kierstan sent me this fabulous link to find where you can get your vaccination:
Check out the vaccine locator tool at www.cdph.ca.gov. You can simply type in your zip code for a comprehensive map and list of both free and paid vaccine clinics near you. You can also text 30644 and enter the words NO FLU and your zip code to receive a message back with the nearest vaccinator information.
P.S. - Special thanks and kudos to my Weight Watchers Territory Manager, Bobbie Surra, who was touched by our troubles enough to arrange to offer H1N1 vaccinations to people attending the recent Open House at various Weight Watcher locations. Bobbie, you rock!
(And I look forward to ending my Leave of Absence from leading WW meetings in about a month. Hugs to all my members and thanks to Terrie and Juana for taking over my meetings.)
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