Buckle Up For Safety

This past week, I examined three teenagers with asthma who did not have their rescue inhalers in their pockets. These young men and women knew better.  I teach all my asthmatics to carry their rescue inhalers at all times.  Asthma kills! (http://livewellthy.org/2010/12/23/asthma-the-numbers-are-staggering.aspx)

So, how do you make someone understand the importance of having a rescue inhaler readily available at a moment’s notice? After all, these kids have never had a severe asthma attack. They have never gasped for air. Telling them that not having their inhalers in their pockets could cost them their lives is worthless. Kids are invincible!

Using analogies has been one of my most worthwhile gifts. The analogy that has the most impact for kids is comparing their inhalers to their seat belts. Do you wear your seat belt all the time? Why? Because it’s the law? No, you wear your seat belt because it saves lives and lessens injuries from auto accidents.

Have you ever been in a fatal auto accident? Of course not. Has someone you’ve known been hit from behind? Probably so. You wear your seat belt even though you have never been in an accident because, if you are struck from behind and haven’t buckled up, you are going to be seriously injured or die! If you don’t believe me, read any newspaper. 

Have you ever had a serious asthma attack? Have you ever been so short of breath that you passed out? Of course not! If you had, you would have your rescue inhaler in your pocket right now. You would be sure it was fully loaded and had not outdated. Your rescue inhaler is your lifeline. Asthma can be unpredictable.

Years ago, my wife and I were sitting in a quaint restaurant in San Francisco.  Renee has very mild asthma and certainly had never had a severe attack. That day she did! To make matters worse, she did not have an inhaler with her. She had rarely ever used one. Some doc I am. I hadn’t prepared for such an emergency.  Luckily, a passerby had an inhaler and came to our rescue.

Life’s lessons are best acted upon and then taught to others. So, buckle up every time you get in the car and never be without your rescue inhaler. Once struck from behind by an 18 wheeler, it’s too late to put on your seat belt. Once in the midst of an asthma attack, it’s too late to go to your locker to get your meds.

Most people only die once. When you die, die from old age having avoided accidents and having lived a long and full life.

Posted by Live Wellthy at 8/14/2011 6:48 PM www.livewellthy.org