Monday Mornings with Madison

THE PRUDENCE OF PREVENTION

A common theme in business and work-life columns, bylines and blogs is how to keep up with the minutiae of tasks that crop up in the average hectic, fast-paced life.  There is never enough time to do everything that needs doing. Work. Home. Health and Fitness. Family. Between job and personal demands, the list of tasks that require attention goes on and on. List makers have To-Do Lists that never seem to shrink.  While smart phones help track the responsibilities and errands as they emerge, there are typically some tasks that fall between the cracks because they don’t require regular (weekly or monthly) attention. Some are things we ignore until something (read: something unpleasant) happens to remind us. However, as any doctor or lawyer will tell you, it is better to prevent a problem than remedy it later. To avoid overlooking little things until they become big things, each person should ask themselves these questions twice a year.  

Work:

  • Have I done a review or evaluation of each of my staff in the last year so each person knows what is expected and how they are performing?
  • Have I rewarded or recognized my employees’ performance recently to let them know they are valued?
  • Has my boss done a review or evaluation of my work in the last year so I am aware of goals to accomplish and areas that may need improvement?
  • Are there are any professional seminars, conferences, or courses I need to attend to ensure my skills remain current?
  • Are there any books, articles, or blogs I should read to remain current and relevant in my work or area of expertise?
  • Have I updated my Bio this year to reflect my recent accomplishments?
  • Have I updated my professional social media pages to reflect recent changes in my career?
  • Have we updated our company website (reviewing each and every page) to reflect changes, updates and new information?

These questions usually don’t occur until either a client or career (either yours or that of a valued colleague) is in jeopardy. If you wait until then, it may be too late.

Home:

  • Are there leaks in the toilet tanks water feed and tank bottom?
  • Is the caulking pulled away or cracked around windows?
  • Are there cracks in the caulking and grout around tubs, showers, and sinks?
  • Are there leaks around and under bathroom sinks, showers, toilets, and tubs? For bathrooms on a second or third floor, is there evidence of water intrusion in ceilings beneath those bathrooms?
  • Are there leaks in sink faucets, hose bibs, and supply valves?
  • Is there sediment in the water heater? Are there leaks or corrosion?
  • Are water inlet filters and hoses to the clothes washer leaking?
  • Is there lint in the ducts and surrounding areas of the clothes dryer?
  • Are the refrigerator drain hole and pan, gasket and condenser coils dirty?
  • Are cords and wires or any exposed wiring in basements frayed?
  • Are exhaust fan grill and fan blades dirty?
  • Are range hood fan blades and housing dirty?
  • Are there cracks and moisture in the basement or the foundation?

Many of these questions focus on home systems and appliances that combine subtle deterioration with a consistent threat of failure. Serious problems with these systems can cause utility bills to spike and/or cause serious structural flaws for the interior and exterior of the home.  Maintenance tasks should be completed at least twice a year to ensure a safe and efficient home.

Health:

  • Have I had a physical in the last six months?
  • Are there any new conditions or diseases that have occurred in my close relatives since my last doctor’s visit? Family history influences the risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer.
  • Have I had the recommended screening tests based on my age, general health, family history, and lifestyle?
  • Is it time for any vaccinations, follow-up exams, or tests such as various cancer screenings, blood pressure check, tetanus shot, etc.
  • Have I noticed any body changes, including lumps or skin changes?
  • Am I having pain, dizziness, fatigue, or problems or changes with regular body functions?
  • Have my eating habits changed?
  • Am I experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, distress, or sleeping problems?
  • When is the last time I had my teeth cleaned and had a dental checkup? Note that regular checkups are recommended twice a year. Dental health is tied directly to coronary health. Researchers have found that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease. Moreover, a study done by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill indicated that heart attack survivors who suffered advanced gum disease had an increased risk for a second heart attack.
  • Do I need to have my sight and hearing checked? In older adults, vision and hearing problems can cause accidents and miscommunications.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends regular checkups to help stay healthy and prevent disease and disability.

Family:

  • Are my children’s vaccinations up to date?
  • Have my children sorted out and eliminated clothes and toys they’ve outgrown?
  • Do they have the school supplies and books needed for the next semester?
  • Have my children had their teeth, vision and hearing checked in the last year?
  • Have the family pets been to the vet recently?

In asking these questions, you may find that your To-Do List gets longer short term. However, ensuring that these items don’t fall through the cracks now should save loads of time in the long run. Attending to a significant personal or family health problem, fixing a major home system or component, finding a job or recruiting a new hire are all typically expensive, time-consuming and painful processes. Better to do a little more now to avoid a lot more later.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Anonymous

© 2011, Keren Peters-Atkinson. All rights reserved.

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