In Louisiana, state law requires drivers to have an annual inspection to check the car is not dangerous. The test is so ridiculous.  The cars are not really checked.  And Louisiana has one of the highest insurance rates in the United States.  But the state gets money from every car on the road.  Straight cash to the state.

WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS?

The back of the tag reads “Drive Defensively.”   Drive defensively means do not accelerate through a yellow light.  Look both ways when turning and changing lanes. 

I have felt the need to change my life to “Live Defensively.”

Some changes have come to my house.  Easier access around the house because of a door that removes the need to go up down stairs to enter the bathroom and bedroom.

Those changes are fine, but let us expand the program.

Look at how you move around.  I will focus on my situation because as with MS, we are all unique and individual. 

I use a walker to get around the house.  I need to make sure that furniture or other objects narrow no lanes.  I must communicate to my wife the issues or address them myself if possible.

The latest example seems simple.  Christmas season is upon us and the tree went up in the office.  Furniture was moved to allow the placement of the tree.  A rocking chair that we have had about 18 years (we have been together for 18 years).  We got the chair when we purchased our first house.  While nice, it has been rarely used.

In the rearranging of the furniture, the chair JUST BLOCKED a main alley of the house.  I saw the issue and adjusted it myself by sliding the chair.

Great.  Bully for me.

When it comes to our bathroom, I do not use the walker.  The walls and counter tops provide support.  I know where the closet door is, and where other critical areas of support can be found.  Yesterday, I resurveyed the area and noticed a new thing for my wife’s shampoos and such novelties.  The thing is metal.  Nice to the eye. 

BUT IS NO HELP TO ME IF NEEDED.

Hence, mental note: when going to that side for support, grab the doorframe.  Extend your arm straight, not down diagonally.  The piece will not help, and it may do more damage than good.

If I fall wrong, and hit my head in a tragic way, I might damage myself beyond known medical repair.

I will do everything possible to avoid that event.

Live Defensively also applies to keeping your eyes open.  When driving defensively, focus on the road, but be aware.  Be conscious of other potential dangers.    Trees, parked cars, accidents, animals, or children can all be dangerous in the wrong.

Let us get out of the house.  Consider how you travel.  If you are in a chair, look for uneven payment.  Walking over such obstacles can make you stumble and fall.  Be aware of stairs.  Slanting walkways that may be convenient but cause fast slides if you do not focus.

Constant attention can be tiring, but healing a broken bone, joint or head wound is neither quick nor easy.

I try to be inspiring, humorous or just make you think when I write these blogs.  I just wrote this article trying to help us.  I also composed this to remind myself to be more aware of surroundings.  I focus on goals and can forget my surrounding. Just avoid accidents to live better and longer.

Power to the People.

Power to the Cure.