More grossing out, not relaxing....

Last night we watched Monsters Inside Me on Animal Planet. It was the first and last time we'll watch that show! To my horror, I learned there is a parasite carried in raccoon scat that can lead to worms eating your brain. Its rare, but the eggs can lie dormant in dirt and after being ingested, hatch. The worms usually stick to hanging around your guts, but as this rare case featured on last night's show proved, can move to your brain. It was heartbreaking watching a baby struggle to survive this parasitic brain worm! Terrible show!

Now I'm a bit freaked as to how I'm going to clean up the raccoon scat I discovered in our yard yesterday. (photo) Ignorance is bliss. I preferred not knowing we have raccoons, which have an 80% chance of carrying a potentially deadly parasite.

I should be feeling good. Its kind of like a Friday today, but I'm not. Aside from the parasite invested raccoon poop, I'm on edge because DH's boss hasn't made a decision yet regarding our health insurance. I'm also not looking forward to seeing extended family, which is terrible of me to say, I know, but they don't relax me. They pick on me. They'll say I'm too sensitive, but its not a balanced bullying. I'm just not in the mood to go through this trial.

I will have to set aside these worries and turn my focus to that which brings me joy. Tonight is the grand re-opening of our little Lake Leota. The village is planning a fireworks display on the water. I hope I can get home from work in time to see some of it.

DH doesn't have to work tomorrow! I'll have to griddle up a batch of Mancakes tomorrow morning!

How Not To Relax (Unschooling Science & Health)

Last night we caught an episode of Bite Me, with Dr.Mike. He was in India trying to pick up as many nasty diseases as he could. He purposely ate unwashed vegetables with the hope of picking up worms. He did, showing us the proof after he excused himself off the bus and into a near by field as nature called. I'm sure the production crew were cringing as he asked for a bottle of water so he could wash off the worms to show on camera. Go to the website and click around on Gross Factor photos. The first India photo shows what came out of Dr. Mike.

Dr. Mike also willing immersed his body and drank from the Ganges river. If you aren't aware, this river in India, considered sacred, is used to dispose of cremated remains along with sewer waste. People believe the river has spiritual and medicinal properties so they bathe, wash and drink from it. While filming he acknowledges seeing all kinds of nasty waste in it, but he still proceeds to swallow it. It is later confirmed when he begins to notice stomach cramping, that he has indeed picked up parasites.

The show is fascinating, but for someone like me, also terrifying! Tonight there are more disturbing shows on, this time on Animal Planet, Eaten Alive and Monsters Inside Me.

Why is my family so fascinated with parasites? At least now they understand why hand washing before we eat, and washing off our food is so vital.