It's That Time Again...Hurricane Season!

Every year about this time we start thinking about preparing for the hurricane Season.
Who can forget how Hurricane Ike roared into the Houston Galveston Area in the middle of September 2008. It was a red letter day that marked the beginning of a new life for me. The day before Hurricane Ike made his appearance I worked my last day at the Methodist Hospital where I had spent the previous 16 years.

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The Hurricane Ike experience was not my first disaster experience but it will definitely be remembered as one of those moments in history that will not be forgotten. History has turned the page and we are wondering what the new hurricane season will bring.

Now is the time to get prepared for a hurricane. Most of us wait until we see a storm on the horizon before running to the store for bread and water. This year there will be a few more items on my list. Make a list of medications or any other devices and treatments that are a part of your health care routine. Get your medications filled in plenty of time to pack and be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice. Your health and your life are the most valuable things you posess. Now is the time to prepare for the worst. Here is a list of some things you need to have ready:

1. Medications
2. Food
   
3. Water
4. Extra clothing
5. Battery operated radio or radio that can be cranked.
   
6. Cash
7. If you plan to use your grill in case of an emergency make sure you have fuel before the storm
8. Electrical generator
9. Know the evacuation route and plan your destination in advance.
   

Prepare your home for the disaster and store your valuables in a safe place. Be sure to have any important papers with you if you evacuate.

Taking a little time to get prepared right now will save you much stress when you see the storm approaching.

Should I Take a Sick Day?

Dear Healthcare Lady,
Perfect attendance is practically a job requirement for me. Missing work is frowned upon and I don't know what to do! I have the flu but feel like I must show up for work! What should I do?
Benjamin

Benjamin,
Taking a sick day can be trouble in many companies. If you are really sick you should not expose everyone in the office to your sickness. As we have learned from the recent swine flu epidemic, sometimes we just do not know how sickness is passed from one person to another. Make sure to see your doctor and get appropriate medication when you must call in sick. Bring a note from the doctor verifying your sickness. I know you feel like a child back in grade school again but it is better to do bring a note than find yourself penalized for being off.

Try not to let the stress get to you. You will only delay your recovery and be out even longer. Take care of your health and soon you will be back to normal.

Do Everybody a Favor: Take a Sick Day

Believers With Diabetes