I am truly saddened by the death of Natash Richardson. I enjoyed her work (what I've seen), but that's not what really grieves me. It's her two sons, 12 and 13 yrs. old, who will miss her. It's a sad, sad situation.
What's got me thinking, however, is the responses that I have heard, thus far, about the prevention of her death: Wear a Helmet.
Um...yeah. That might have helped. But let's consider this: You're not a doctor - go see one.
There was apparently an ambulance at the ski lodge waiting to take Richardson to the hospital. She felt fine, so she didn't want to go. Now, if it's a known fact that ski falls can result in head trauma (which is why the use of helmets is encouraged), why wouldn't you go have your head examined? While I don't know this for a fact, I feel confident in the assumption that Richardson could have afforded to go to the hospital.
The reason I bring this up is that two months ago a read an article in a women's magazine about a lady who had been in a car accident. She was sore, but thought she'd be okay. She had the insurance, but didn't want to miss work. Instead, she went about her life.
Two years later she is broke and in constant pain because of the injuries that she couldn't see that she didn't treat. She ended up missing work because she was in pain. She was gone for so many days that she lost her job.
It took her almost six weeks before she went to see her first doctor. By that time the damage was done, and some if it became permenant.
So this is what I'VE been thinking about...if you have the opportunity and the resourses SEE A DOCTOR!! I'm not sure why we as a people think we know more than doctors. Fifteen years of "ER" doesn't make up for years of medical school.
Maybe it would help to understand that by the time we feel sick, something is already wrong. A check-up can never hurt...ESPECIALLY if you have the insurance/money to get help!
That's what's going on in my head today. I'm not one to visit the doctor for every runny nose (I know how to treat that), but when someone serious happens, I have the time and resources to get a second opinion. The worst that can happen is being told you're fine. The best? Living to see another day.
Please folks...wear your helmet. And see a doctor!!
3 comments:
It's really tragic -- on a beginner ski slope! Obviously helmets are important (not that we ever used them)!
I know...there are so many things we can do to protect ourselves/our families and people just ignore them!
It's sad...a helmet and a trip to the ER could have literally saved her life.
Well said, Karin! I am firmly in the "go see a doctor" camp, whereas Emil is more recalcitrant (he thinks a doctor visit = diagnosis of cancer. He's a little paranoid). I'll have to make him read your post and see if it changes his attitude!
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