I saw the following on an electronic billboard when I was going down the highway a few weeks ago:
Buckle Up – Save ICU beds for COVID Patients!
This message got me thinking about how this pandemic is really asking all of us to consider how the decisions we make, and the subsequent actions we take every day, are impacting others. The billboard posting was obviously reminding us to buckle our seat belts, so that in the event of a collision we may lessen the physical harm to those in the car, and perhaps decrease the chance that anyone will need to go to the hospital.
Now during this pandemic, we are all being asked to wear a face mask. This is not only to protect ourselves; but also to protect others. The virus which causes the respiratory disease known as COVID-19 is primarily transmitted through the air (by talking, coughing or sneezing), and invades the body through the respiratory tract. COVID-19 can begin by infecting the trachea (or windpipe), and then possibly travel to the lungs invading those precious air sacs known as the alveoli. Many of the symptoms of COVID-19 are respiratory in nature such as a dry cough, sore throat, or shortness of breath…and the breathing problems caused by COVID-19 can range from mild to critical.
And as we are all aware, smoking can only exacerbate such respiratory issues – so why risk it? When many are in need of ventilators to breathe after being infected with this deadly virus, isn’t it just wise at this time to “buckle up” by quitting smoking to decrease the risk of ourselves, and those around us, of becoming a statistic as well?
In this unprecedented time, “buckle up” by quitting smoking to save not only your own life but the lives of others as well.
Barb Dallavalle, MA, LP
NDC Counselor/CTTS
Reference:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) resources from Mayo Clinic - Mayo Clinic
