Own The Podium

I have been following the 2010 Olympics fairly closely and have been very impressed by the effort and results of all our Canadian Athletes. I think it is safe to say that the highly publicized “Own the Podium” campaign, which has provided funding to many of our elite athletes, has been a huge success. What I didn’t realize is that most of the corporate sponsors are pulling funding as soon as the games are over. Evidently the massive advertising opportunity ends with the games so they are leaving our athletes who have trained long and hard, high and dry. To make matters worse, BC is the only province willing to commit to supporting our athletes beyond the games. The other provinces are taking a wait and see approach.

Own the podium is now reaching out to us, Canadian citizens to show the government and corporate sponsors that our athletes are important to us. They’re asking us to donate. It can be a monthly commitment or a one time donation, whatever you are comfortable with. It’s easy, simply go to their website

Lets come together and show our athletes they are important to us. Let’s help them focus on training and take some of the financial pressure off them. Hopefully if the govenment sees this they’ll recommit to funding!

Heres to 2012 and beyond! Go Canada Go!

H1N1 Vaccination Clinics started Today

I know this has been beaten to death, so I apologize in advance for this post. I was interviewed by a reporter from our local paper yesterday, they wanted my opinion as a Mom on the whole H1N1 situation. I told them I don’t agree with the fear mongering, and that individuals should be respected enough to be given the facts and allowed to make their own decisions, without the fear tactics used by both sides! We managed to make the front page! Nicholas was very excited to see his picture in the paper. Click here to read the full story.

Today marked the start of the H1N1 Vaccination clinics, or should I say “clinic” in my city. I was appalled to discover that the health unit is offering only one clinic to service not only the city, but surrounding municipalities as well.  We arrived at the clinic just before it opened at 10am and the line was already quite long. I was surprised that after waiting for 40 minutes – out in the cold and rain -  I was given 2 forms to fill out with an appointment time marked on it. When we returned at the appointed time, I was horrified to discover that I would have to wait outside in line again. Only this time the line was longer than the line we had waited in the morning. The tension and anger in the air was palatable. Turns out we waited, outside in the cold for another 2 hours before being admitted into the building. All together we spent 3 hours and 20 minutes waiting.I am really hoping that they work the bugs out of their system in the coming weeks.

I am happy that my son and I are protected, and am now waiting until my husband and daughter, who do not fall into the high risk categories, can get their vaccinations. I hope everyone takes their time to research and make the decision that is best for their family. If you or your children are sick please stay home, rest and get well, don’t forge on and risk spreading whatever ailment you are afflicted with.

My Thoughts on the H1N1 vaccine.

I was undecided last week about the H1N1 vaccine, I researched the pros and cons, I even lost some sleep. I have decided that we will all get the H1N1 vaccine. Do I believe that the media outlets and government are making it sound worse than it is, yes actually I do. Do I believe that the drug companies are going to make a fortune because of the fear mongering – absolutely. Is it right, no way. But could I live with myself if anything were to happen to my children because I didn’t get them vaccinated? The short answer is no. So when the clinics open on Thursday we will be there, we’ll roll up our sleeves and get the shot. Only time will tell if I’ve made the right decision.

H1N1 Vaccine :: Is it Safe

Canada approved the H1N1 vaccine yesterday. The approval came weeks before experts predicted which has many Canadians wondering if the trials were rushed. I myself am sitting on the fence, unsure of getting the vaccine and having it given to my children. Health Canada is insisting that the vaccine is safe and that the manufacturer will closely monitor reported side effects of the shot. From what I have read, side affects are generally mild, but the trial numbers are smaller than usual.

Health Canada is recommending that the following groups get the shot:

• People with chronic medical conditions under the age of 65.
• Pregnant women.
• Children six months of age to under five years of age.
• People living in remote and isolated settings or communities.
• Health-care workers involved in pandemic response or who deliver essential health services.
• Household contacts and caregivers of individuals who are at high risk, and who cannot be immunized (such as infants under six months of age or people with weakened immune systems).

My son and I fall into these categories. Will we get the shot… I’m still unsure.  We will all get the seasonal flue shot, we do every year. As for the H1N1 Vaccine, Only time will tell.