Get sneezed on much?

Posted June 15th, 2008 by Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner

We moms have lots of practice dodging sneezes. But how long can you really last without getting sick? Play our new, wacky, addictive, nation-changing, sneezing nose game, “Don’t Get Sick,” at http://www.momsrising.org/dontgetsickgame

Why the game? Nation-changing!? What gives? Well, nearly 50% of private-sector workers–and almost 80% of all service sector employees–don’t have a single paid sick day. It’s ridiculous. No one should have to work sick, or risk losing their job or needed pay because they get sick, and kids shouldn’t have to stay home alone while they’re sick.

So MomsRising is taking the fight for paid sick days to a new, unexpected level:

“I liked it so much that I kept sneaking off at night to play it again. I kept getting to higher and higher skill levels with the noses coming faster and faster. My husband finally discovered me when he overheard my giggles. It brought back all those memories of dodging my sick co-workers, and it was great to share my tales of woe in order to make a difference.” – Laura, mom of a 6 month old.

“This game is so funny–all those crazy flying noses, and only my tissue-zapping skills to protect me. At the same time the game is *so true*! Passing colds around at work, sick kids whose parents can’t stay home with them–it’s so common. Clicking to share my own story gave me a good way to make an impact along with the fun.” - Anita, mom of a 20 month old.

You too can fight off disgusting germy online sneezes while helping raise awareness that paid sick days are needed for all. Play the game, share your personal stories of paid sick days (or your lack thereof) at the end, and help spread the word–not the germs! Your personal story is a powerful way to show that real people are grappling with a real problem that must be addressed now.

*Challenge friends to beat your high score by forwarding the game link in this email to them. Get the kids involved with virtual flying tissues. De-stress while changing the nation for the better. Let’s spread this sneezing nose game like an online “virus!” (Get it? Sneezing game & online “virus?” Bad pun, we know… but, we just couldn’t help it!)

Here’s that sneezing game link again so you can easily share it with others: http://www.momsrising.org/dontgetsickgame

Check out these facts to spur on your game playing & passing to friends:
• 145+ countries guarantee paid sick days for everyone who works. But not the U.S.!
• 85% of restaurant workers have no paid sick days. And, 90% of food-borne illnesses that start in restaurants are traced to employees who were forced to work sick, or lose pay, or even lose their jobs. Ahhh chooo!
• Nearly 100 million workers don’t have paid sick days to care for a sick child–and even the Center for Disease Control says sick kids should stay home so illness doesn’t spread.
• Almost 80% of all service sector employees (restaurants, childcare, hotels, home health, etc.) have no paid sick days. This simply isn’t healthy.

We all get sick. Let’s do what’s best for our kids, our co-workers, and our country’s health. Let’s ensure liberty, justice, and a guaranteed minimum number of paid sick days for ALL! After all, no one should have to work while they’re sick.

*Don’t forget to see how long you can last without getting sick at: http://www.momsrising.org/dontgetsickgame

Have fun (and change the nation for the better while you’re at it)!