Martial Arts & Illness
The hysteria surrounding the H1N1 virus, aka the swine flu, really seemed to die down when summer hit. The reason? Children and those with the contagious virus were not longer herded together in enclosed environments. The new school year beginning, coupled with the upcoming regular flu season, seems to have given everyone cause for pause.
News reports estimate that nearly 50% of the population will be affected by the swine flu this fall/winter. Those who are normally healthiest, our children and young adults, are slated to be the hardest hit. Rumors (though I have not yet read any concrete research) indicate that the elderly may not be as heavily impacted due to a similar virus strain that attacked during the early 1970’s.
Regardless, we caution everyone to be safe as they send their children to school, go to work, and gather in groups during the upcoming fall and winter months. Use proper safety precautions, carry hand sanitizer, wash your hands as much as possible and – most important – listen to your body. Don’t push yourself to ridiculous extremes and make yourself sick (or worse than you already are if you’ve already contracted a bug).
The contagious nature of the H1N1 virus caused us to take a step back this year and post some guidelines, in writing, at Moo Duk Kwan Martial Arts. Visit the school website for information about our Student Illness & Participation Procedures. For everyone’s safety and well-being we are asking everyone to be respectful of others and not come to class (or send your children to class) sick. These guidelines regarding student illness will be strictly enforced. We care about each and every one of our students and want you all to be as safe and healthy as possible!
Warmest regards,
F.G. Blair
