Posted on August 22, 2023

It goes without saying, that we live in a very fast-paced society. It seems like we are always rushing and hurrying to get to where we need to be and do what we need to do. Ask yourself this question; how many times when something was done incorrectly or something was missed did you hear the phrase, “I was just in such a hurry that I ….”?

Unfortunately, when it involves health and safety it can lead to disastrous results. Did you ever think about all the things people do when they are driving and are in a hurry to get somewhere? Here are a few.

• Speeding

• Tailgating

• Refusing to yield

• Swerving in and out of lanes

• Blowing through yellow(ish) lights

• Not using turn signals

• Not completely stopping at stop signs

• Passing in a no-passing zone

• Cutting in front of people

• Not adjusting their speed in work areas and in bad weather conditions.

I am sure that you can name even more. But look at those examples and realize how much risk was added just because the driver was in a hurry.

Now there may be some urgent matters that cause us to rush off to a destination but the main cause for our rush…… we just don’t leave early enough. It would reduce a lot of risk on the roadways if everyone would leave in plenty of time to arrive at their destination OR realize it would be better to be a little late than get into a horrific accident.

And there are risks added in other areas besides driving due to rushing or not taking the time to be safe. Like;

“Why didn’t you find your safety goggles before you used the chainsaw”?

“Why didn’t you get the step ladder instead of standing on the kitchen chair”?

“Why didn’t you wait till the grass dried before you started cutting it”?

“Why didn’t you turn the breaker off before you started messing with that outlet”?

“Why didn’t you get the car seat out of the other car before you took that toddler for a ride”?

“Because I was in a HURRY!”

What about added health risks? The value of preventive healthcare, diagnostic screenings, and vaccines has been proven beyond dispute and is well documented. Why is it then that we allow our fast-paced, busy lives to keep us from participating in preventive healthcare?

Many people get diagnosed every year with a late-stage disease process such as heart disease, cancer, or renal failure. Many, with proper screenings, could have been identified early in an early stage, greatly improving their prognosis.

That being said, I guess it is just a matter of where you want to lose the time. A few hours here and there during your busy life; or several years that you never got to enjoy at the end of your life. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth more than you can imagine!

PHASE

Preventive Health and Safety Awareness

www.preventivehealthandsafety.com