iRant

This would be my first rant post. Why am I ranting you may ask? Simply because it threatens the fun packed weekend I have planned.

It all started on a dark and rainy night....lol....I kid, I kid (is it weird that horror stories always start that way). It was actually midday on a cloudy, cool Friday.

Anyhow, me being in preparation mode for the highly anticipated weekend, and wanting to look my best (after all, it's 'my big three O'). I decide to pay a visit to the beauty spa, this is a place I frequent almost every month to get a facial and some minor waxing done. 

STOP!!!

Hold on, wait a minute. Let me start by saying upfront, the service I recieved here has always been good, and on that day, the actual facial was the BEST I have ever had at this spa. The young lady was very pleasant, gentle and she took her time with me.

Ok...back to the RANT

So there I am lying on the bed with my eyes closed. The beautician comes in ever so quietly that I didn't even realize she was in the room till she started coughing. We exchanged some pleasantries (how are you,  which type of facial, when was the last facial etc), then the facial started (she has the most gentle hands). 

Cough, cough, cough....cough, cough, cough. Me, "are you alright?" to which she replied "yes". Me: *raised eyebrow* Ok, she said she's OK, probably she just has that annoying, non-contagious, non-infectious, nothing to worry about cough, that cough everyone was left with after the flu has left them. However, as the facial progressed, the cough persisted. That coughing spell lasted the entire appointment, the ENTIRE appointment!!! 

So the appointment is over now, I thank her, told her she did such a wonderful job. I get up, and looked at the her and realizes she looks ill, so I ask her again, " are you sure you're OK? do you have the flu?" to which she then replies "yes". 

YES??? WHAT!!!!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!!!!!! WTF!!!!!!! Y'ALL HAVE TO BE JOKING!!!!

If you are providing a service, especially one that involves personal hygiene, and your employee has the flu (the very contagious flu). Send them to F home until they feel better. So as to not risk paying customers such as myself being infected with the flu. And in my case being infected with the flu days before 'my big three O'. What the hell are you trying to do? Ruin my celebration?

I am very disappointed with the spa, VERY disappointed. It's Sunday, I'm on work, tired, weak, feverish, congested, I have a headache,  my nose and eyes are runny, my throat is sore; and i'm guzzling down Nyquil, Panadol and Chloraseptic lozenges hoping to get over the flu before the weekend. This is not how I envisioned my week. I'm supposed to be bursting with energy and excitement. 

Places such as these establishments need to be better business people and human beings and look out for the well being of there customers and fellow human beings.

I now wish I had noticed she was ill before the start of the appointment. I would have requested someone else do the facial.

END OF RANT

Have you ever experienced this, or a similar situation? Do you think places such as these establishments should be held accountable for public health?

Much Love,

What's your Status?

Do you know your HIV AIDS status?

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is one of the leading infectious killer diseases. It affects the lives of infected persons, as well as their families and friends. This disease has no boundaries; it affects all races, genders, the rich and the poor alike, unborn babies, teenagers and the old aged.

The World Health Organization claims that over 25 million lives has been lost over the last 30 years, and in 2010 there were approximately 34 million people living with HIV. 

There are a lot of online resources to educate ourselves such as, HIVAware, World AIDS Day and the RED RIBBON FOUNDATION. The WHO recently published  Progress report 2011: Global HIV/AIDS response.

HIV AIDS is not a friend; it is a deadly disease that destroys lives and families. It is a disease that has caused stigmatization and discrimination.

Lets all do our part to prevent the spread of HIV. We can simply start by knowing our status and by not having unprotected sex. Remember condoms, when used correctly are life savers. But this alone does not stop the spread; this along with education can control this deadly disease from controlling our lives, the lives of our loved ones, our friends and our families. So lets us do our part.

Source of pictures: Graphics Hunt 

Be safe, educate and protect.

Breast Cancer Awareness

Today concludes the month internationally known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But does the awareness end there? 

For me the answer is no. As women we should always be aware of our health. We are often seen as the backbone of society; we are mothers, teachers, wives and nurturers. We are the persons whom many depend on. Therefore our health is of utmost importance. Breast cancer not only affects us as individuals, it affects our families and our lives.

I am very certain many of us can identify someone we know who has been afflicted by breast cancer, an aunt, sister, cousin, neighbour, your friend sister's co worker. Early detection and treatment is key in surviving breast cancer, so get up and get screening done. Perform self checks on yourself while in the shower check your breast, your armpits and up to your collarbone. Ask your doctor about having a mammogram done, protect your future and the quality of life of your family. 

Support the causes, spread the word, participate in walks, awareness sessions, purchase ribbons, donate and help in whatever way you can. Educate yourself and others.  There are many websites with a lots of useful information such as http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/ and http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/ to name a few.

I've even come across an e-booklet (these are free to download) with a lot of comprehensive information, from the Breast Cancer Care publications: Treating breast cancer and a quick guide to being breast aware.

Breast cancer is one of the top cancers which cause of deaths globally. It is the #1 cancer killer in women; and over the years, there have been an increasing number of cases in men.

So let's join forces, let's support the cause and let's help in winning the fight against breast cancer.

I've had this bracelet for years, I bought it from Avon.

The saying 'knowledge is power' is on point, so lets educate ourselves about what can affect our health, in extension our family and our lives.