A plant for what? I'm on assignment for New Mobility. A stupid assignment, perhaps, but hey, it wasn't my idea... If you don't believe me, you can check with my editor (as I said below). Looking for more detailed, colorful anecdotes than the list of quick answers below... Care to elaborate, Eric?
From: [email protected] Sent: Saturday, August 21, 2010 2:04 PM To: [email protected] ; [email protected] ; [email protected] Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] media inquiry: looking for sources on fighting the flu, for peop... Amen Eric! Ben is taking some nasty heat at Wheelchair Junkie's website from others who think he's a plant. Brainstorming does that to some. Best Wishes In a message dated 8/21/2010 4:02:58 P.M. Central Daylight Time, [email protected] writes: 1) annual flu shot 2) not sure, am a firm believer of Thera-flu. I'm pretty sure there is no 'cure' for the flu. 3) hell no, i can't 'give' help time off. if they think they need it then we find a fill in. lol, common decency, says if you sneeze in my face, be dodging right cross (little exageration here) 4) don't need extra help when sick, just feel like sh*t for awhile then catch up when feelin better Eric W Rudd [email protected] ----- Original Message ----- From: Ben Mattlin To: [email protected] Sent: Saturday, August 21, 2010 1:27 PM Subject: [QUAD-L] media inquiry: looking for sources on fighting the flu, for people with disabilities For a "New Mobility" magazine article about how people with disabilities can best take care of themselves during flu season, I'm looking for sources to talk about smart strategies for avoiding the flu and coping with it if you catch it. I don't want advice about washing your hands and covering your mouth when you cough. Everybody knows those things. But for many people with disabilities, there are issues beyond what others face. For instance, many are especially vulnerable to catching the flu in the first place. And if they get sick, they may be slower to heal than others, or more likely to catch pneumonia and other complications. So… 1) What preventative steps can be taken, if any, to build immunities and avoid contagion? 2) If you get sick, what are the danger signs that it's become serious and you need to handle it differently or seek extra medical care? 3) What do you do if those around you become sick--especially your attendant? You can't just give your daily help a week off, even if he or she is sneezing in your face. But should you? 4) And how do you cope with needing extra help when you're ill, and least able to manage your own care? These are just a few of the questions on my mind. I'd like to conduct brief e-mail interviews. If necessary, a 15-minute phone call will do. My deadline is Friday, September 3, 2010. Thanks very much, in advance, for your help. Best, Ben Mattlin [email protected] PS: If you want to confirm the authenticity of this request, please contact my editor, Tim Gilmer, at [email protected]
