When do you need to see a doctor? When do you need to press your panic button? When do you need to run for your life?
No one really knows how they are going to react in a crisis situation – until it happens, that is. Oh, yes, we all have theories about what we should do, but that is not always what we do. When we are in shock or our own families are concerned, strange things can happen. Someone who got a first aid certificate last week, can forget how to do CPR, a self-defence specialist will investigate a noise in the house alone and unarmed and a nurse could take 3 weeks before getting that rash checked out.
Advertisement
So what are the situations in life that should let your alarm bells ring?
You have blood in your stools. This could have a harmless cause, but then again, it could be a warning signal of serious gastrointestinal problems, including cancer. Get to a doctor without delay.
Your front door is open. Run for your life and do not enter on your own. Call the security company, the police, the neighbours, but don't go in by yourself.
Your bank manager has left four messages for you. He has not phoned to congratulate you on your financial management skills. That cheque you gave the school 6 weeks ago has only been banked now – and you thought it had gone through ages ago. Phone back, sort something out. The longer you avoid him/her, the worse it gets.
Your clothes don't fit you anymore. Forget it, they didn't all shrink at the same time – you have stretched. Time to get more exercise and halve the doughnut intake.
Your dog is growling in the night. Wild barking could be at a passerby or the moon or someone who is outside of your fence. Growling is usually reserved for something which is closer by, unexpected and which has frightened the dog. Call the security company or press the panic button.
A mole on your body turns red and angry. This should always be taken seriously, as it is often the first sign of a cancerous skin growth. Get to a doctor as soon possible.
A police officer is waiting for you at home. This could be innocent, but then again they may either be the bearer of bad tidings or your past may finally have caught up with you.
You suddenly get blinding headaches. You've never had them before. They could be the result of tension, allergies, sleep disturbances – but they could also be the signal of something more serious, such as vision problems or a brain tumour. Do not ignore sudden headaches – they most probably will not go away by themselves.
You are all alone with someone you don't know. This can happen easily – you're working late and suddenly realise there are only two of you left in the whole building. Or you get to your car in the parking garage after a late-night movie and there is only one other person about. Chances are everything will be fine, but best you get to your car as quickly as possible and leave.
Your car is clamped and it is 9.p.m. Your cellphone is also dead and it is the end of the month and your cash is low. It is for times like these you always need to carry a public phone card.
Your mom-in-law comes to visit – with six suitcases. This is no visit. Her investments have disappeared along with the bank she invested in and she has come to stay. Be afraid, be very afraid.
You eat something and soon can't breathe properly. You are having a severe allergic reaction and could be going into what is called anaphylactic shock. You need immediate medical attention.
Your partners cupbaords are empty. No, the robbers have not been, because your things are all still there. Prepare for a period of being single. And a few dreadful scenes somewhere along the way. - (Susan Erasmus Health24)
Bookmark with:
What are social bookmarks?