Swine Flu -

On the morning show over the past few days, we've talked quite a bit about the "swine flu," also known as the H1N1 virus. I have to admit that three days ago, I wasn't worried. We were even joking about the illness, mainly because I'm a hypochondriac and I've had a cold/flu for the past week. John, my co-host, was joking that I had the "swine."

Now, I sit here with increasing concern and many questions about what will happen if there is a pandemic. At first, a pandemic didn't seem possible. Now it does. More US cases are popping up, including one "probable" case in Illinois. A few schools across the country closed today for fear of spreading the illness.

I've also been watching the news, specifically a press conference regarding the death of a toddler in a Texas. He was from Mexico and died while visiting family in that state. He passed away Monday but officials there just found out this morning that is was from H1N1.

So while I'm not one to panic, I am starting to pay more attention to what our government is saying about the illness and what we should do if there's an outbreak in our area. The Centers for Disease Control has some pretty basic advice : you should wash your hands ALOT and cover your mouths when you sneeze or cough.

Okay.

Then what?

I guess I'll be doing some more research.

I know one thing. As soon as my three children walk in the door from school, I'll give them the soap and send them directly to the sink.

Here's more info about the H1N1 from the Centers for Disease Control.

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/parents.htm?s_cid=tw_epr_83

An Excuse To Watch TV

Not that I need an excuse to turn on the TV .. but here it is anyway. How about this .. watching television can help your heart. Yep, that's right. I'm telling you to sit on the couch, relax and watch your favorite sitcom. By the way, that's the key, it has to be a show that'll make you chuckle.

According to a University of Maryland study, people who watched 15 to 30 minutes of a funny show increased their blood flow by about 22% which is similiar to the benefit from low-intensity exercise.

Apparently, when we laugh, blood vessels dilate due to the release of the protective chemical nitric oxide, which also reduces cholesterol building.

So, if you're looking for a funny sitcom check out the Mnday night line-up on CBS. VERY FUNNY! All of the shows make me laugh every time.

Confession Time

Okay, I'll admit it. I have an adult "woobie." You know what I'm talking about, right? At one time in your life, probably when you were a child, you had a special doll, blanket or stuffed animal that you carried around or slept with to bring you comfort. Well, I still have one and I call it "squishie."

"Squishie" is feather pillow that I've had ever since I can remember. It's only about a quarter size of a regular pillow because, over the years, many of the feathers have fallen out. I squeeze it and hug it and sleep with it every night. Okay, that makes me sound completely nuts. Here's the truth. I just like how it feels when I roll it in a ball and put it under my head. Could I survive without it? Sure, but why should I if I don't have to.

It turns out I'm not the only one who turns to a material item for comfort. According to a Travelodge survey done a couple of years ago, 20 percent of men said they take a teddy bear to bed with them when they're alone. Really, I thought. Who's going to admit to that. And when we brought the topic up this morning on 93.3 The Drive, many people called with stories of their own "woobies." They didn't seemed embarrassed about it. GOOD! Let's embrace and hold our "woobies" high.(Okay, that might be a bit much.) :)

Have a great day!

I went into Walmart yesterday to buy THREE items and walked out with 8 bags of discounted Easter candy. How could that happen? I vowed to stop this practice long ago. In fact, I always make sure I don't go into those big box stores the week after a holiday so I'm not tempted by all that candy.

DUH!!!!

I forgot and accidentally cruised down the Easter candy aisle. I couldn't stop myself and filled my basket with Starbursts, Hershey bunnies, malted milk egs and a BIG chocolate bunny (just for me). It's comforting, though, to know that I'm not the only one with a problem. The aisle was packed with women loading up their carts with discounted candy yesterday. Maybe men don't have that problem. I didn't see even one male close to the candy.

So, everyday I enjoy just a few pieces and you never know, I might even share with the kids. :)

Be Happy - Take a Nap!

Who doesn't love a good nap? When my three children were a little younger and still dozed in the afternoon, I would also catch a few zzzz's. Ahh. Those were the days. Unfortunately, these days I don't get many naps. I either can't find the time OR I can't turn my brain off to settle in. Now, though, I might make more of an effort because according to a new study, there are three BIG reasons to take naps.

1.You'll protect your heart - A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that people who snoozed for at least 30 minutes three or more times a week reduced their risk of dying from heart disease by nearly 40%.

2.You'll perk up - NASA researchers found that pilots on long haul flights who napped for an average of 26 minutes boosted their alertness by more than 50%.

3.You'll feel happier - In a Stanford University School of Medicine study, doctors and nurses improved their mood by napping for 40 minutes during an overnight shift.

Be happy. Take a nap!

April Fools!!

April Fools!!! We had such fun on the radio this morning. Thanks to all the listeners who were good sports about our "joke." In case you missed it, John Riley and I "forgot" to turn off our microphones (when we were supposed to) during the Morning Drive on 93.3 today and everyone could hear us gossiping about "Carl and the Bradley-intern", spreading rumors about Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt coming to Peoria, and having one heck of an argument. All this was taking place while songs played in the background. Of course, it was all in fun. We had quite a few people going, though. The phones (which we ignored for an hour) rang off the hook. In fact, other workers in the building began coming in to tell us are mics were still on and listeners could hear everything we were saying. In radio, leaving your microphone on and being heard while off the air is considered a cardinal sin. Today, we called it a little harmless fun. At least, we think so. We haven't talked to the bosses yet. :)