Flu Shots and Other Thoughts

Yesterday was our family outing to Ridgemont High for our annual flu shot. Before we went, I called Ottawa Public Health to find out a little more about the flu shot. As I suspected, the shot contains the preservative thermosil, otherwise known as mercury. There is quite a bit of debate out there about the safety of thermosil.

The public health nurse advised me that "there is only a very small amount of mercury in the injection". And that I'd have to weigh the risks of the mercury to the benefits of the flu shot.

Well, if someone offered me the choice between a really healthy and delicious bowl of vegetable soup or a Big Mac... but then advised me "there is just a little bit of arsenic in the soup". Well, guess what, I'd pick the Big Mac for my lunch.

All that being said, Alex, Finn and I all got the flu shot yesterday. We can't risk getting the flu and bringing it home to Paul... who is still too young to get the shot. As the parent of a baby... I really hope EVERYONE gets the flu shot. Even if you hate flu shots... this year tell yourself that you are DOING IT FOR PAUL!!!

Finn yowled when the shot went in... but recovered VERY quickly when I produced a lollipop. Some kids at the clinic were positively FREAKING OUT. If anyone has a good trick to prevent kids from developing a phobia of injections... let me know.

Paul: Has spent all day thinking about ways to solve our global financial crisis. What a good little boy!!!

My Dad: I asked myself after my last post whether my Dad would have like Grapples. At first, I thought... yeah. He loved grape stuff. Especially grape pop. Every once in a while I'd find cans of grape pop in the fridge at my parents place. But then I thought... no. If my dad wanted an apple... he would have just wanted an apple. Not an apple disgraced by grape flavour.

I remember when milk had that contest where the carton would moo if you won a prize. My Dad asked Jarrett and I - "so what happens... the carton moos and I win a prize?" Jarrett said - "Yup". My Dad then replied "Well I'd be pretty pissed off if I was all ready to enjoy a nice refreshing carton of milk and suddenly it mooed and I was stuck with a damn t-shirt and no milk". Good point Dad!!