Sunday, April 19, 2009

I lost 7 pounds in 7 days

Two years ago, I was fighting to lose the weight needed to get me back to my "pre-pregnancy" size.  It wasn't until I stumbled upon a hunger suppressant / body cleansing agent that I was finally able to lose those few stubborn pounds.  It really worked!

Which brings me to my next.....

...parasite spotlight!!! 



Cryptosporidium parvum is a very small protozoa (simple single-celled organism) that is transmitted by the fecal-oral route (GROSSSSS!!!  I KNOW!!!).  Once ingested (YUM!!!), the organism multiplies in two different ways (asexual and sexual reproduction) within your GI tract, and infects the inner lining of your intestines.  The problem with this parasite is that it is resistant to normal water purification methods (chlorination and ozone).  Also, the host won't show symptoms until 1-2 weeks after infection (or "ingestion"), and will remain contagious for up to one month.  Symptoms include watery diarrhea, anorexia, nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, and fatigue.  

But, that didn't stop some people around here from going swimming!!!

So, in our case, some infected kid (or adult, or mammal, reptile, or fish of some sort--it really could have been any of those) "moved" their "bowels" in the public pool, contaminating it for everyone else to enjoy.  After splurging on ounces of pool water (or approximately 130 Cryptosporidium parvum cysts), kids and parents alike were losing vanity pounds left and right.  

One fun fact is, that in order to diagnose the severity of the disease, you will need to give at least three (3) "stool samples."  

Who would want to collect that three times???

Do you want to know what my favorite part is?

To "prevent" the outbreak from happening again, it is now required that kids under 4 years old wear swimming diapers while in public pools.

Really?

A swimming diaper is considered a reliable barrier between a kid's parasitic bowel explosion and public pool water?

Really?

Really?

Let's just all agree that if our kids don't eat, seem lethargic, and are pooping liquid, we won't take them to the pool!

Agreed?

Have a fun summer!

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sick

Anonymous said...

Sounds reasonable.

that raven chick said...

waterproofed daipers? are they still semi-permeable? I don't think that would be good for the baby

that raven chick said...

LOL day-pers. I meant to say diapers.

Little Lady Cakes said...

Agreed.

Laurie S said...

Once I saw my toddler pee in her swim diaper. It just dribbled right out of the diaper, and made a puddle on the floor. I had never really thought about how swim diapers allow fluid to flow freely in out out, thus keeping them from filling up, like regular diapers.
My point is, TAF, you're absolutely right about "prevention" from swim diapers. And though I envy your weight loss, I'm sorry you got crypto.

Brooklyn said...

I can't believe I read that whole post while eating my sandwich.

michelle@somedaycrafts said...

I'm sick! Thanks for the parasite education!

Brossettelewis said...

Can you bottle and ship some to me? 7 lbs in 7 days sounds delightful.