Courtesy of Signe Barlow

Thank goodness this year/decade is over. Call us bitter broncos, but somewhere between the recession, flu scares, and an ongoing war in Iraq, we’re excited to finally put this year behind us and start fresh with a newer, brighter decade. The Cowgirls (and their friends) sat down together to talk about the past year and what we’d like to see change. Take a look:

On HEALTH:

“This year was all about death, death, death!” states comedian, Eddie Della Siepe, “so many stars died this year. For the first time in my life I was kinda glad I wasn’t a famous celebrity.”

“2009 was the year of H1N1,” says our Veterinarian, “Look at how we are so accustomed to talking about viruses by their numerical specifications. From Mexico to around the world there was panic as young people succumbed to its effects. The W.H.O. declared a pandemic. The provincial government rationed shots. Women cried in lineups. Doctors like myself had to be fitted for masks. And so far it has been an anticlimax. No worse than any other flu season in terms of mortality. And the government, with a stockpile of vaccines to feel embarrassed about, has been advertising the benefits of immunization. Mmm. Not a disaster, but thank goodness we all will live another day for another disease.”

On POLITICS:

“The election of President Barack Obama obviously was the most important moment this year,” says one Cowgirl, “But it seems his ratings aren’t exactly as high as expected. His budget spending and bailout methods are making a lot of people question him. But I still have faith that he’ll pull through, he beats Palin that’s for sure.”

“Well, Harper didn’t exactly shine recently in Copenhagen,” adds another, “the demonstrations and protests speak for themselves. But with 1/3 of the people attending that international conference drinking water out of plastic bottles, are we really ready to solve global warming? Or is it just another trend we pretend to care about?”

On NEW YEARS PARTIES:

“I’m not sure if it’s more of an excuse to justify spending $80 on cover, $300 on a new dress and another $300 for a hotel room all in one night,” Justine (Cowgirl) laughs, “but a lot of people say that how you spend New Year’s Eve sets the stage for the entire year to come. Well, last year I rang in 2009 on the couch, toasting to Dick Clark in HD and I’d have to say that my year turned out pretty good. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to test my luck again this time around”

“I will. Tacky Christmas sweaters in Collingwood will do me just fine. I’m still in recession mode here,” adds Head Cowgirl, Emma. “Beyond the cash dropped, you end up spending your night searching for cabs and dodging champagne showers. No spank you.”

On NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS:

“Read more.” Emma continues, “I make this resolution every year, but now that I’ve got the Sookie Stackhouse series I should be set. That, and to let the little things go;  just take each day as it comes, go to church, and limit the amount of booze and Big Macs in my system. Again, this seems to be my resolution every year so we’ll see. Did you know they’ve added S’more flavoured pies at Mccy D’s?? This next year might leave me in a sticky situation.”

“S’more pies” says the Veterinarian, rolling her eyes. “Well there’s one highlight to the year.”

***

Adios fellow pony friends, we shall see you all in January 2010 – fresh-faced, ready to write wrongs. ;)

XoXo
– The Cowgirls

Courtesy of mushypony.com

The paranoia is getting crazy in Toronto. Line-ups for vaccines go on for hours, people glare at anyone who coughs, hand-shakes are being rejected… but the one man who’s stuck in the most risky business of all is still all smiles. Tom, the Holt Renfrew greeter has been known for his double-cheek kisses for years. So how does he feel about all this? Is he worried about getting H1N1?

“It’s fine.” He says. “I wear my gloves more now, use Purell, it’s really not a big issue for me.”

Pony: Have you gotten the flu shot this year?

Tom: “No, and I don’t intend on getting it. I got sick a few years back from the shot so I’d rather take my chances. Sure, being exposed to the air all day increases the risk of getting sick but there’s really not much to get so worried about.”

Pony: How has the public been with you?

Tom: “There’s the odd person here and there who doesn’t want to shake hands, which is fine. I’ve stopped instigating the kisses because it’s a tender issue, but if someone would like one then that’s fine with me. I’m not about to start wearing a mask while I greet people.”

Pony: Has management talked to you about H1N1?

Tom: “Sure, they’re aware like anyone else. They just want to make sure everyone’s using Purell and doing the best they can to avoid getting sick. But we’re not worried about it. I’m a people-person, I like to interact a lot, and I can’t change who I am just because of the H1N1.”

Hopefully, we can all learn from Tom and stay grounded throughout the flu-frenzy. Be smart about it of course, but remember you can still smile and go shopping without having to worry about who last touched the Balenciaga tote on display in the center of the room.

XoXo
– The Cowgirls

Courtesy of Freaking News.com

There’s lots to think about here. If you’re under 25, then you are in a high risk group which means that if you get the infection, you could get seriously ill. So here’s how to prevent it, and what the symptoms are if you have it:

Firstly is prevention. The obvious thing to do is to get vaccinated. This will provide at least 80% protection. If you are in a high risk group then the government states that you are first in line to get the shots so hurry up with that. Don’t forget to get the seasonal flu shot as well.

Next, stay away from people with a virus. Keep your hands away from your face, use sanitizing gel frequently. Use gloves on the subway and keep a scarf around your mouth and nose; don’t touch door handles unless necessary (push with your shoulder), and think about every surface you touch when away from home. Carry that Purell with you everywhere.

Also, stock up on a digital thermometer and some Tylenol or Advil for any fever, aches and pains.

If you cant stay away from someone who’s sick (roommates etc.), then consider getting a prescription for the antiviral drug Tamiflu, which will work to prevent infection as well as treat it.

Secondly is your strategy if you get the flu. How will you know? Easy! Take your temperature. Don’t put a sweaty hand on your forehead – it doesn’t work! The flu always causes a fever and it will be over 38ºC , often close to 39ºC.  Next, you will have a cough, muscle aches and maybe a sore throat. Now we are thinking flu but remember that this is a virus and as such cannot be killed like a bacteria (so no need for antibiotics). If you can see a doctor within 24 hours then it may be worthwhile to take Tamiflu, but after this window of time it will be too late. Nevermind, most cases of flu are not treated with medication other than Tylenol so stock up on chicken soup and buy a box of surgical masks so that you don’t infect anyone that you live with. It is especially important to clean those hands with sanitizer every time you cough, sneeze or blow your nose. If things get worse and you feel short of breath, have chest pain, and generally feel much sicker then go to the emergency room. A chest x-ray and bloodwork will help diagnose what is going on.

Finally, if you have H1N1 flu (which may be indistinguishable from seasonal flu), then you have to stay in quarantine for at least 7 days from the onset of symptoms and not be in contact with others (that includes sleeping with others). Some studies are suggesting a longer period so listen to the news on this issue. Set up the T.V., glasses of juice and stay put.  You will feel weak and tired for the next week or two so take it easy.

– The Vetertinarian