Several days ago I remember watching a news interview on TV with a couple in NC about what they were going to do regarding their 4th of July plans in response to Hurricane Arthur.  At that time they were hoping the weather service was incorrect and they were planning to stay right by the beach until they had certainty the storm was coming.

Now the power of Arthur is fact and we have pictures to prove it, similar to the one I have posted above.  I pray for everyone who is having to restore their homes following the devastation of the storm.  I also am thankful for all those who are engaged in rescue and relief efforts.

Back to the couple I was in the TV prior to the storm.  I have no idea at what moment they decided Arthur was reality and took preparatory action.  I do hope they acted before it was too late to find safety.  It reminds of though of patients who receive signals of pain from their bodies but choose not to visit a physician.  When the pain becomes so severe then we see them in the Emergency Department.  Often because they have not taken action when the pain signals first appeared their chances for a full recovery are reduced.  Sadly for some patients, putting off seeing a physician means we are not able to prevent their death by the time they enter the Emergency Department.

I see the regret loved ones feel when they wish their patient had acted more proactively to address their pain and save their life.  Please do yourself and your loved ones a favor and seek medical attention at the onset of pain rather than waiting until the pain is so unbearable you have no choice other than to seek assistance.  Consider pain as the weather service for your body giving you an advance prediction of when a storm is going to appear.  Proactive action is not only a gift to yourself but it is also a gift to those who love you.