A Fate Worst Than Death

"Steven Hawkins without the genius brain" 

Aug 13, 2016

Accident Prevention

It may be hard to believe there is a punishment worst than death, since avoiding death has been hard wired into our DNA since the beginning of time. It is the reason we get up in the morning, it is why we eat, drink, and even breathe. And while many of us while fear death and perhaps the afterlife, there are things in this life that may be even more scary. For some people, it is public speaking; for me, it is a debilitating injury. A debilitating injury is one what will leave you alive but severely handicapped. It would be more than an arm or a leg, it would be perhaps 2 arms and 2 legs or brain damage. Imagine being Steven Hawkins without the genius brain, that is my fear. I will explain why debilitating injuries are so scary, and a way we can minimize the impact.

To me, death is simple, living is much harder. For the individual, death is the end of everything. It is when you no longer have to worry about eating, drinking, looking good, being smart, getting along with other, or going to work. A sudden death may be heartbreaking for loved ones, but for the individual they really could not care any longer. Your friends and family will go through a period of mourning but eventually everything will get back on track and life will continue for them. Living is much tougher. You have to worry about your next meal, your next paycheck, and your friends and family. You are constantly working to adapt to a changing world, a changing environment, and changing times. You need and want to care for them in whatever way you can. If you are dead, there is no nothing you can do, there is no choice. If you are alive, then you can choose, and your decisions will ultimately affect you and others around you. But I do not envy death, and I am learning along the way what it takes to not just be alive but to also live well.

Debilitating injuries are worst than death, because it is seeing something, and wanting to do something, but not being able to do it no matter how much you wish it so. If I suddenly become injured, I have no idea who would take care of my family. Who would put food on the table or shelter to live under. It is unlikely that we would be able to continue paying the mortgage which will likely mean having to sell the house. If the injury was less severe, perhaps I can do a desk job or something that has less pay, but a a truly debilitating injury can prevent even that from coming true. I would go from someone who is active and able to care for others, to someone who is left to depend on others. That would be the worst part for me, that I could not care for those around me. Even worst, others would be obligated to care for me.I may not be able to feed or clothes myself, never mind trying to use the restroom. And though your spouse or family member may be able to care for you for a period of time, chances are they will get worn out with the passing months and years. Your spouse may have to start picking up extra shifts at work to pay for the additional medical expenses, but at the same time worry about having someone to care for you at home. That feeling of helplessness is likely the scariest part of disability. 

The uncertainty of when injuries can occur is the second part that makes it scary. Injuries can literally come from anywhere. A few years back, there was a leak in a septic tank aboard an airplane. the leak opened up in mid air and as all that septic water came falling down from thousands of miles in the sky, it froze over before crashing down to the earth. There is no way we could plan to prevent these events from happening. It would not have matter if you are a vegetarian who did yoga 5 days a week, if that septic ice block hit you, you are sure going to feel it. 

Although no one can predict when an injury will occur, you can minimize the impact an injury can cause. The first part of minimizing injury is actually to be active. While it would be unwise to play around on the freeway, staying active with regular exercise will minimize injuries from falls and bumps. Regular exercise is important for stemming of many of the diseases that affect modern man.  For bigger injuries, health insurance will be vital. America's broken health system means that you are really only okay if you are really poor and covered by Medicaid or really wealthy and can absorb the brunt of an illness. Otherwise health insurance is going to be necessity for medium level injuries. The insurance will cover your standard broken leg or course of therapy for pneumonia which would otherwise be prohibitively expensive. 

For debilitating injuries, you need disability insurance. Disability insurance for most people when they are young is relatively inexpensive. Most disability insurances will cover you for about 60% of what you make, but because disability benefits are not taxed, your take home is about the same. So if your monthly income is $1000 and you get injured, then your insurance kicks in and pays you $600 a month tax free or until you turn a certain age such as 65. That $600 is likely close to what you would have taken home after federal, state, and social security is taken out.  Disability insurance is important for anyone without enough income to retire. The idea is to generate enough income while you are young that can support yourself for years to come without working. Once you have enough saved up then you will no longer need disability insurance. 

Death is scary but disabilities are frightening. They can make you feel helpless and are unpredictable. The good news is there are ways to minimize the impact of disabilities including exercise, health insurance, and disability insurance.