Talking about asthma makes for a sobering read sometimes, what with the discourses on peak flow meters, lung function, and pulmonary anatomy. You must realize by now I don’t mind taking a break from the serious sometimes by laughing at my past asthma mistakes and current health obsessions or poking a stick at the asthma beast, all in good fun.
In that spirit, I’m auditioning a regular Wednesday feature of pure entertainment, a break in the normal routine of asthma stories and tips. Today — and maybe every Wednesday from now on, depending on feedback and traffic numbers — I bring you weird health bits for your amusement. Pretty much any health topic is fair game here, as are all types of media including video clips, photos, and links. Here’s the first (only?) installment.
No Patterned Clothing for Swedish Preschoolers
At least one parent protests a three year-old ban at a preschool in Sweden that prevents the children from wearing all but solid colors. Why? Because stripes, spots, and other designs trigger migraines in one of the school’s teachers. Seriously.
No word on why, after three years of soberly clothed four year-olds, a parent is just now complaining.
NYC Jails Have Healthier Meals than My Kids’ Schools
Okay, yes. I do live in the Deep South, land of fried chicken and Paula Deen. However, this still makes me pretty sad. A comparison:
New NYC Prison Menu
- Emphasis on fruit, fiber-y cereals, skim milk, whole wheat bread
- No sugary drinks
- Unsweetened muffins (implemented soon)
- More chicken, fish, and tofu than red meat
My Kids’ School Menu
- More of an emphasis on fruit and veggies than when I was a kid
- Whole and reduced fat plain milks offered along with chocolate and strawberry milk
- Oatmeal twice a month and no other cereals at breakfast
- Entree choices for one random week: beefy macaroni/hot dog, fish sticks/chicken sandwich, cheesy mac & ham/turkey & cheese sub, BBQ chicken sandwich/hamburger, pizza/sloppy joes
While creating a menu for picky elementary students on a limited budget has to be difficult, I bet we could dump the hot dogs and fish sticks for something more nutritious. Jamie Oliver’s doing it in England.
And that’s why the girls bring their lunches rather than buy them.
Finally, here’s a YouTube clip that defies description. I give you I’ve Got Asthma by The Toy Dolls. Embedding this bizarre video isn’t working today, so you’ll have to go visit the link.
I can’t figure out what’s more surreal – a British punk band writing a song about breathing problems, the audience dancing and singing along to the chorus I’ve got asthma, or the idea to end the song with a reenactment of a severe flare.
Help an Asthma Mom out. Email your weird health news and clips to asthmamomATgmail.com or amyATtheasthmamom.com. If this feature stays, maybe you’ll see your contribution here.
I love this feature! I’m all about poking the beast!
A school in RI (?) banned those plastic shoes called “Crocs” because kids were falling down at recess. Funny thing is that I’ll bet they have no problem serving those kids pizza with a side of tater tots.
I remember falling at recess because I was wrecklessly running around the schoolyard. I also remember a particularly hazardous game of Red Rover where I was so superfast that I easily broke through the human chain and slammed right into a post of the entrance to the school, face first. Hmmm….maybe they should ban Red Rover or just get it over with and stop all running altogether.
Thanks, Ag–it was highly entertaining to write.
Hey, Michelle!
I couldn’t agree with you more – all this hysteria over tiny, crazy things but HERE, have another scoop or ten of ice cream! For breakfast!
Love the Red Rover story but check this out — at the older one’s school, playground time is always the last 10 minutes of lunchtime and they ARE NOT ALLOWED TO RUN. I’m not kidding. I have no idea why, either.
Hi Amy, I say keep it up! I think it’s a great idea.
Btw….Where do you find the time to do all this?
Thanks for the input, Steve. To answer your question — I’m a freelancer, so I’m online all the time during normal work hours, anyway. Plus, I write very fast. Finally, I live in a very sloooooow southern city (though hopefully not for long) whose main feature is the beach. During the winter, believe me–I got nothing but time.
Hey Amy!
! Thanks for your AWESOME blog………funny!
Yes, I love this feature too! I am still smiling and I really needed to smile today
Neat idea, and interesting information.
I’m definitely going to get the book you recommended.
Thanks, guys–I sure needed a laugh, too, and writing this helped.
Rick–I hope you’re going to post a review when you read it. I’d love to see what an RT thinks about the first half. (And welcome back from vacation.)