Say Boo To The Flu ~ My Experience

I'm not sure how you spent your weekend, but here's a bit about how I spent mine. On Saturday, my family and I got all decked out (well, the hubster didn't dress up but the rest of us did) and headed over to Alliance Mobile Health. There was a big Halloween bash taking place  but the main focus of our visit was to "Say 'Boo' to the flu".

I loved the concept of this event. Everyone was dressed up and suddenly doing something that's normally unpleasant became pretty fun!


First things first. I was there to meet with Alex Hitchell, who is a representative of my local VNA (Visiting Nurse Association of Southeast Michigan), and a couple people important to their cause as well as 2 other bloggers.

Allow me to introduce you to the group.

From left to right, there was JoAnna Yaksich from Alanas Flu Foundation, RN  Kay Renny, myself, Melissa from Rock And Drool, and Stacy (with her 2 daughters) from My Life of What Ifs and Detroit Mommies. (I wish I had a picture of the lovely Alex Hitchel who was behind the camera.)

I learned two main points at this event.

1. It's so important to get your family vaccinated against the flu virus and H1N1.
2. It matters who you give your money to for that vaccination

Let's talk about why it's important to be vaccinated. It seems like the "flu shot" is one of those things that comes around every year and a lot of people shrug it off. Maybe they don't like needles (there's a mist for you!), maybe they think that the flu isn't that big of a deal, maybe they think they won't get the flu because they wash their hands a lot. Whatever the excuse, I met someone who changed my mind forever about getting vaccinated.

JoAnna (pictured above) has an incredible story. In 2003, her 5 1/2 year old niece, Alana, died from swelling and injury to her brain caused by the flu virus. Alana hadn't been vaccinated as it wasn't recommended for children her age in 2003. Alana's family decided to fight back and make sure others are aware of the importance of getting vaccinated by forming Alana's Flu Foundation that also works with Families Fighting Flu. Her's is a very sad story but the amount of people who die from flu related causes every year is in the thousands. Did you know that? It gives me the chills and inspires me to protect my family as well as I can.

I'm also happy to report that this year's flu shot includes protection against H1N1 as well as 2 strains of influenza. It's fast and easy to keep you and your family healthy.

So, why is it important who you give your money to for a flu shot? Well, let's face it. These days, you can get a flu shot in a wide variety of places. This is wonderful! But where does the money go after you pay for your shot? If you get your vaccine from the VNA, the money will go toward providing in-home and hospice care to those who don't have insurance to cover it. Now, if you ask me, that's an amazing cause that's worth investing in. It may even help someone I know in the future.

The event that I went to was a lot of fun and the nurse was so sweet. If you didn't make it out, don't worry. There are other chances for you to visit a "Say 'Boo' To The Flu" clinic. The next 2 dates and locations are as follows:

• Saturday, October 16th, 2010 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the North Oakland YMCA in Auburn Hills, MI.
• 3378 E. Walton Blvd.
• Friday, October 29th, 2010 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Ultimate Soccer Arenas in Pontiac, MI 
• 867 South Blvd.

If you want, you can get your kiddos dressed up and bring them for a FUN time. While they're there, they'll have a few things to keep them busy like a word hunt and coloring. In fact, there's even a giveaway that the VNA is hosting on their facebook page! (You'll find all of the details you're looking for on their Say Boo To The Flu page.)

*While we're on the subject of giveaways, don't forget to enter mine for a chance to win one of 2 gift baskets packed with goodies, Clorox disinfecting wipes, and a $25 gift card to Target! Click the link to be taken to the right page.*

I hope you'll take the time to get vaccinated and visit the different sites I linked to in this post. Each is packed with information for you to take away. Stay healthy!!

**I am working with TheMotherhood and The Clorox Company, and they have compensated me for my time.  However, all opinions expressed in this post are my own. Others may no agree.

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