Like so many others Australians, I was shocked to see the
devastation in Oklahoma, USA, after the tornado that recently ripped houses to
shreds and destroyed lives in the blink of an eye. It turned what should have
been a normal day at work and school into a living nightmare for those affected
and it’s only one of many natural disasters.
What this incident reinforced to me is that bad things can
suddenly happen to good people and life is fragile and uncertain one minute to the
next. We are further reminded of this by the daily stories we see in the media
such as vehicle traumas and other tragedies, including the Queensland floods
and bushfires across many parts of our own nation earlier this year.
When we think about the dangers we face on a daily basis
it’s almost enough to put us off going out of the front door in the morning! The
reality is though, that life must go on and the one thing we all share is a
collective need to live each day of our lives to the fullest. While we may
never be able to remove all of the risks we face, we can take active steps to
better protect ourselves and those we love.
I see that positive attitude time and again when I speak to
MedicAlert members from across Australia who face a wide range of health issues
and who take solace in the peace of mind that comes with being a member of our
organisation.
Some choose a life moment to join, such as a newly diagnosed
medical condition (like diabetes or a clotting disorder that might be a danger
with the birth of a child). Maybe there’s an impending interstate or overseas
trip on the agenda, or after a ‘near miss’ with a confused loved one who has wandered
away from the family home and spent a cold and lonely night alone and in danger.
Whatever the reason, MedicAlert Foundation continues to
reinforce the importance of our emblem in times of emergency or other need to a
wide range of healthcare and other professionals. We want them to always look
for our distinctive emblem which could literally mean the difference between
life and death. If it’s helped you or a loved one even once, that’s priceless.
Sandra Turner
