Act decisively when faced with illness

It is not unusual that you sometimes find yourself in a poor state of health. It may not necessarily be as a result of any fault on your part. Disease will sometimes catch us unawares, but we must always be ready to mount an appropriate response.

The immediate thing is to understand what is afflicting you. Is it of immediate threat to your life? Or is it something more chronic? Any illness that is immediately life-threatening must always be treated with utmost urgency.

We are talking of conditions that could kill in a short period of time if there is delay in seeking help.

Examples are excessive bleeding from whatever cause, or other emergencies associated with critical functions of major organs like the heart. Time is of essence if your life is to be saved from such illnesses.

Diseases that evolve over a prolonged period of time have a somewhat greater latency in response times. But nevertheless, you must act in good time to limit progression to more critical stages. Cancers for example will evolve over long periods, but there is a better chance of cure or longterm survival if treated in the early stages. So no room for procrastination here either, whatever the disease process.

Act in good time and save yourself from potential agony that may result from unwarranted delays.

Once aware of the need to seek help, you need to know where the kind of help you require is found. Which health facility should you go to? And what kind of specialist do you need to see? Not every health facility is adequately equipped to deal with all sorts of medical issues. And you will not find a single physician who is skilled to deal with all conceivable illnesses. In emergencies, you must get yourself to the nearest health facility.

Beyond that you must carefully select where to go, and who to consult.

All this boils down to having a health plan. Not just being aware of health service providers in your locality. But also having a way of footing the inevitable medical bills, and associated expenses. Figuring it out way before it happens gives you more leeway as you make life-saving decisions.

Your health plan doesn’t have to be so elaborate with every conceivable detail in place. It can be as simple as just a guide, with actionable points giving some sort of direction to your health needs.

Lots of lives have been lost due to delays in making decisions when faced with ill-health. Act quickly when faced with emergencies, and in good time when more mundane illnesses strike. Don’t just act in your own interests, act decisively for others as well if they are incapacitated.