An Ounce of Prevention: "What's Your Hurry!"

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November 27, 2007	A Publication of QVHD

What's Your Hurry!

By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD

For the past 10 years, I have been taking the Merritt Parkway to work. At least once a week, there is a major traffic jam caused by an accident at the West Rock tunnel, with traffic backed up for miles. If you listen to the radio as you drive to and from work or errands, you can get an update of traffic conditions on all of the major roadways. There isn't a day that goes by without snarled conditions on most of the highways!

As I sit in traffic (or watch from the other side) I wonder why people are in such a hurry that they become careless about their driving. They weave in and out; they pass where they shouldn't pass. And for what outcome? To reach their destination ten minutes earlier? Is it really worth wrecking your car, or getting injured or hurting someone else?

Many accidents, both in vehicles and out, are caused by carelessness, including being in a hurry. This does not need to be. When I was growing up, my father used to say, "Accidents don't happen, they are caused." How true this is. Can you think of an injury you incurred that didn't have a cause (your fault or not.) Following an injury, have you ever wished you could do the action over again, using safer practices? Because most "accidents" have preventable causes, several years ago, the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) changed the term "accident prevention" to "injury prevention" for just that reason. When you are driving your car too fast or weaving in and out of traffic or passing in a no passing zone and you have a crash, it is not by accident! It has a cause (carelessness) and could have been prevented.

If we all slowed down just a bit, if we obeyed the traffic laws, if we wore our seatbelts, if we exercised good judgment when performing tasks, we could prevent a great number of injuries.

For example, many seniors sustain injuries from falls. Many of these falls could be prevented with simple home adjustments, such as handrails, non-skid rugs and shoes, and adequate lighting. Children can prevent head injuries by wearing helmets when biking and skating.

You may not be the "weaving speed demon" on the highway but you may know someone who is. Perhaps you could leave this column in a noticeable spot. However, in your daily life, slow down especially when performing tasks. Take those extra few minutes to do it safely!

For an information packet on making the home environment safer for seniors, District residents (Hamden, North Haven and Woodbridge) can call QVHD, 203.248.4528. Or you can request information online or through email, dculligan@qvhd.org

An Ounce of Prevention is a publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at 1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone: 248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor & Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district office.


Quinnipiack Valley Health District 1151 Hartford Turnpike North Haven, CT 06473	Phone. (203)248-4528 Fax. (203)248-6671 E-Mail. info@qvhd.org

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