Kristi Yamaguchi has been an inspiration to millions of fans around the world for her athletic achievements and continually giving back to the community. As an athlete, artist, author, wife, mother and philanthropist, Kristi embodies the word champion. Her motto is "Always Dream," and Kristi's accomplishments prove that dreams can come true with hard work and dedication. Kristi founded the Always Dream Foundation to support the lives of children through educational and recreational initiatives. For almost 20 years, Kristi has championed the Always Dream Foundation, continuing to inspire children and supporting the local community. Grand Life Daily had a chance to talk with Kristi about another organization she is involved in, which is Faces of Influenza an organization which is bringing awareness to the importance of getting a flu shot.
Grand Life Daily: How did you become involved with faces of influenza and why?
Kristi: I became involved 6 years ago because I believed in the message. The fact that I started receiving my flu shots as a teenager and today I am a mother of 2, I understood how important it is to protect my family.
Grand Life Daily: What is www.facesofinfluenza.org 's goal?
Kristi: To educate and dispel the myths of influenza which affects everyone.
Grand Life Daily: When did you receive your first flu shot?
Kristi: I began getting flu shot in my teens, maybe around the age of 16 and one of the reasons was because my competitive season ran though the flu season.
Grand Life Daily: What do you feel is the main reason people do not get their flu shots?
Kristi: People are not thinking it’s necessary, and because of their already busy lives, they see it as one more thing on the to-do-list and one extra trip to the doctors office. I also believe many people do not understand really how serious influenza is. There are over 200,000 cases of hospitalizations related to complications from influenza.
Grand Life Daily: Do you think the lack of awareness or the availability of where someone can get vaccinated has an integral effect on the level of those being vaccinated?
Kristi: Awareness is being raised through PSA’s and lots of participation from the medical community, I feel the awareness is definitely being raised.
Grand Life Daily: 49 states now allow pharmacists to vaccinate, do you think there should be more of an effort (being that pharmacies are so readily available) to publicize the availability?
Kristi: I think it is becoming so readily available. For instance, in California, flu shots are available in supermarkets, pharmacies and flu shot mobiles.
Grand Life Daily: How is Faces of Influenza pushing this effort?
Kristi: Faces of Influenza is continuously raising awareness and really pushing the message that from the age of 6 months old, it is important to get immunized with the flu shot.
Grand Life Daily: Where can one get more information about locations where vaccinations can be given for free?
Kristi: Everyone can log onto www.faceofinfluenza.org and click on flu vaccine finder.
Grand Life Daily: How would you define Living Grand?
Kristi: Live each moment to the fullest and remember you are in charge of your own happiness!
On average, 1 out of 5 Americans suffer from influenza every year. In addition, influenza and its related complications result in approximately 226,000 hospitalizations in the US each year. Depending on virus severity during the influenza season, deaths can range from 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people. Combined with pneumonia, influenza is the nation's eighth leading cause of death. Influenza symptoms include fever (usually high), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches. Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur, but are more common in children than adults. Complications of influenza can include viral or bacterial pneumonia and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, congestive heart failure, and diabetes. Children may experience sinus problems and ear infections. Influenza viruses spread in respiratory droplets caused by coughing and sneezing. They usually spread from person to person, though sometimes people become infected by touching something contaminated with the influenza virus and then touching their mouth, eyes, or nose.
We all are at risk for contracting influenza. The results for some will be lost work or school days. But for those at highest risk, the results can be more serious – leading to hospitalization and even death. The best way to prevent influenza is with an annual flu shot. Visit www.facesofinfluenza.com to learn common influenza myths and facts or watch the latest Faces of Influenza videos .
Interview by: Eslyn C. Woodall
Influenza facts courtesy of Faces of Influenza
