Flu Flu FLu

It sounds like all we have been hearing about lately is the FLU. What have been some steps that you have taken to prevent contraction of the flu?

We have become much more aware of how the spread of disease occurs in our society. We know a LOT of people have become SICK of hearing about this hype, including ourselves at times. Fighting Footprints always attempts to find something positive in every situation, so what did we decide to do this time? Find something good about this hype!

There's always something to be learned from every situation. Sooo..... here are some things we have learned throughout this media frenzied situation:

The importance of simply washing our hands! (and the art of washing our hands WELL)

Awareness of the frequency in which we touch our faces, bite our nails, lick our fingers, fix our hair, rub our eyes, etc.

The use of hand sanitizers!

Awareness of touching objects such as door knobs (the place on door handles where they are most frequently touched to open and close doors in public), sink faucets, elevator buttons, bathroom doors and toilet flush handles, computer buttons, etc.

Shaking hands with others... always necessary? Where were their hands?

When using debit machines... we punch the numbers with our card instead of our fingers!

Multivitamins and looking at our diets... are they supporting or inhibiting healthy function of our immune systems?

What quantity of fluids are we drinking? And importantly... WHAT KIND of fluids are we putting into our bodies?

It has also made us question whether we need to be out and about as frequently as we are! Do we reeeally need to run erands? Or could we wait until we have a few things to go out for?

There are soooo many more little tricks that other people are doing to prevent contracting the flu or a cold lately... what are you doing?

Please post your tricks for all to see!

Let's learn from one another and live healthier, happier lives!

Healthy and happy,

Chanel and Heather

H1N1 vs. Seasonal Flu

Hello! Ok, so this fall weather has got us thinking.... FLUUUU SEASON!!!! There has been a whole lot of hype around this flu topic... H1N1 and the regular flu as well. The vaccinations that are available and recommended have been a hot topic in the media and also in our work places. All of these mixed messages we have been getting needed to be sorted out. Many companies have been educating their employees and preparing for a pandemic... so here's a little info from our "offices" :P

H1N1 flu vaccination is expected to be available to Canadians in approximately 3 weeks. It just recently became available to residents of the U.S.A. Now there has been a rumour that the flu vaccine should not be taken with the H1N1 vaccine... because it makes you more susceptible to H1N1.... ok, we are here to clarify!! Companies have stopped providing the flu shot for their employees... why you ask?
A study came in from Mexico contradicting the Canadian study... there definitely IS controversy... some say that if you have had the seasonal flu shot in previous years, you have a higher chance of getting H1N1… but having the H1N1 vaccination protects you… it’s the lag time in between from the flu vaccine and Mexico says that
The Canadian vaccinations have an added adjuvant agent… this boosts your immune system so when it is mixed into the vaccine, the vaccine protects you against H1N1 and the Adjuvant protects your immune system, rumour has it that it will make the vaccine more effective. Note: They have also made the vaccine available without Adjuvant for pregnant women because there have been no studies completed to test whether Adjuvant has effects on the growing fetus.

Controversial studies, contradictory information, and a whole lot of panic has set into our pop culture, making it difficult to sift through all of the information and make an educated decision in peace! This post will hopefully inform you a little; although there is a lot of information that speaks differently… you make the decision! Please comment if you have any further information to provide us with!


Flu shmoo…. But take it seriously!
Chanel and Heather