There is an old saying that I believe in and try to live by every day: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. An example came only this morning when I met my long-time secretary as we were walking into the building at the same time. We both came through the door with our hands full. I was carrying a Mardi Gras King cake, Valentine cookies, and some work that I had taken home. She was carrying her purse and the day’s supplies. As we entered the building, the rug curled up under our feet. She immediately stopped, bent down, and straightened the rug. This simple act could very well have prevented a slip and fall accident. This is a prime example of an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
I cannot tell you the number of calls I have taken or the cases I have read regarding people who were seriously injured when they tripped on rugs. It is something that we all can do if we just take the time. We will never know if she actually prevented an accident, but we do know it didn’t take much time and it was the right thing to do. A few seconds spent flattening a rug beats hours in the emergency room every time.
Richard J. Arsenault, 2011
