This American mentality to go to work or go out when you are sick is making me ill. I am beyond tired of seeing and hearing of people going out into the workforce, shopping, school or anywhere in the public to do things. When you are sick, you need rest. Further spreading of the virus or bacteria that is in your system is just insulting. Why do people feel the need to run themselves down more and spread the germs? It's not even a question to me that when I'm sick, I stay home. If I do go out, I wear a mask. I flew on a plane last week in the peak of cold and flu season and I wore a facemask. People looked at me like I was an alien from outer space. Like they were insulted I didn't want their germs. Excuse me, I take care of myself and no, I don't care how asinine I look; I would stand on my head with my shirt on my legs and my pants on my chest if it meant not getting sick. In Europe, people wear them all the time, and in most countries it is frowned upon to come to work sick and if they do, they wear a facemask. But no, not here in America! It's this let's run ourselves into the ground because it's all about money and I'm too worried about what I look like mentality. Hey, if you're an hourly worker with no paid sick days and have a family, or are in dire straits, I understand, but too many people on salary with vacation days are going out and spreading the germs. And too many people are out in the public while ill. Don't tell me you're bored; three days at home will not kill you. If you can't relax for a couple days, something is wrong with you. I am the last person you would ever see sitting around. My days are 14 hours long on average from when I leave the house in the morning and return at night. I work eight hours and then train another four, and missing a day at work or a day training to me is torture; however, I am not going to be stupid and go out and get everyone else sick on my selfish account.
American people are already sleep-deprived, malnourished and dehydrated, thanks to this ridiculously fast-paced, greedy lifestyle we have adopted that is constantly go go go go. It needs to stop! You should turn off the TV and go to bed. I promise, anything you missed you can watch tomorrow, thanks to the news, Internet, DVR, Tivo and whatever ridiculous technology we have. And instead of drinking that pot of coffee in the morning, try juice, water or something that's not going to strip nutrients out of your body. And for God's sake, eat something with nutritional value or at the least take a vitamin. Why do I see the world's super powers so fat and out of shape? It's disgusting. We strut like we're the best in the world at everything, and yet we can't walk anywhere without complaining, as our feet and joints hurt because we're out of shape. I guarantee that if everyone took an hour every other day to take care of themselves and go do some exercise, our society as a whole would be healthier and less stressed, and therefore more peaceful. It is time we start thinking a little more about other people and a lot more about the wellbeing of ourselves. You can't take money with you when you go, and the years you're losing off your life to get that extra money really isn't worth it. And last: Stop taking antibiotics for the common cold and flu! We are creating a super bug, thanks to our own ignorance, stupidity and most likely selfishness! Just deal with the fact that you have a cold and stay home! And if you do get antibiotics, finish the entire bottle. The doctor gave it to you for a reason, so finish every pill. I am afraid for my kids at the rate we're going. Remember, this is not your world and you are really not that important. I promise that the world will not stop turning if you miss a day at work, school or the mall.
Eric Bildstein submitted this letter.
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Letter to the Editor
