Even beautiful hands need a good scrub these days...
Written by: Julie Ovenell-CarterI’m flying to Nova Scotia tonight and if one more person asks me if I’m afraid I’ll “get swine flu,” I might have to kill them before the flu has a chance.
No, I am not afraid of swine flu. I am aware of it. I am alert to the symptoms and informed about how to fight it. Yes, I’m concerned that we are overdue for a global pandemic and might be on the edge of one. But I am not living in fear.
Here’s what the Public Health Agency of Canada wants you to know right now: in a nutshell–Mom was right. You need to wash your hands–now more than ever. That means: soap, hot water, and scrubbing for as long as it takes to sing the entire alphabet (no matter what language you speak).
Beyond that: cover your mouth with a tissue when you sneeze; stay home if you’re sick; and if you’re travelling beyond Canada, check this Foreign Affairs site for health alerts before you leave home.
Be prepared, not paranoid. And have a good trip…
Pauline Rockwood
on May 6th, 2009Hi Julie,
I loved your piece on ‘washing your hands’ and I couldn’t agree with you more about wanting to kill the next person who asks about being afraid of catching the ’swine flu’. So I won’t ask.
But I will ask if you had a good trip to Nova Scotia and say that it was a pleasure to meet you on the flight from Toronto. My daughter and baby grand-daughter were seated with me and we thoroughly enjoyed chatting with you. And thank you so much for your help. It was greatly appreciated.
I hope we can keep in touch so please feel free to drop me a note when you’re not too busy with exploring and writing about our great country. Until then, keep well.
Julie Ovenell-Carter
on May 18th, 2009Hey Pauline,
Thanks for looking in! It was terrific to meet you and your daughter and adorable grandbaby on the flight to Halifax. That baby has a future in travel, I can assure you–I’ve never met such an agreeable traveler.
I had a truly exceptional experience at Deanne Fitzpatrick’s rug-hooking retreat, and I’m going to be posting about my travels in and around the area soon, so please stay tuned…all best, Julie