Friday, March 27, 2009

A Safe and Healthy Honeymoon

Being a health & safety professional I feel it is incumbent upon me to pass along important information that can keep you safe, not just at work but in all areas of your lives. For this reason I'd like to touch on a hazardous situation that many of us take for granted. Often we are ignorant of or outright choose to disregard the dangers of this insidious threat. The activity I'm referring to is...the Honeymoon.

Yes. I said Honeymoon.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have published a "Healthy Bride" feature on their website. Those of you planning a wedding should read this. If you have friends or loved ones who are in the stressful process of planning a wedding, share this link. The document is brief but full of valuable information that could get a marriage started without injury or illness. As an example, the experts at CDC have this to say about preparing for your honeymoon:

"Whether it's by car, plane, train, ship or foot, take steps to stay safe and healthy during your honeymoon. Plan ahead. To lower your risk for illness and injury, check health scores for cruise ships; learn about common diseases for the area if traveling abroad; get vaccinations; and pack and use sunscreen, insect repellent, and appropriate safety gear for activities (such as helmets, life jackets, and knee pads)."

(Hey, I'm just sayin'.)


If you don't believe me, click on the link and read it for yourself.

What the CDC does not say is that this is also an excellent time in your relationship to practice open and honest communication skills with your spouse-to-be. Ladies, in order to avoid any later misunderstandings or problems you should have a discussion about realistic expectations, anticipated activities, what you are packing in preparation for those activities and why. The reason for this is simple. If a guy about to go on his honeymoon walks past his wife-to-be as she's packing and sees helmets, life jackets, and knee pads there will likely be one of two reactions.



  1. He's going to get REALLY excited

  2. He's going to get REALLY nervous

Number 1 could lead to unrealistic expectations (okay, maybe they're not unrealistic - go you!), misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Number 2 could lead to unrealistic expectations, misunderstandings and hurt feelings, and performance anxiety. Either situation should be avoided during one's honeymoon and for that matter during one's marriage.


So folks, remember to include what happens beyond the actual wedding day in the planning and preparation. And NEVER forget the importance of communication before, during and after the wedding. It can up your chances of not only still being together 25 years from now but of still needing to pack helmets, life jackets, and knee pads...if you know what I mean.


Have a safe, healthy, and very happy wedding, honeymoon, and life together. And pack appropriately.

9 comments:

Kitty said...

Those knee pads could maybe prevent carpet burn?

x

Bruce, a work in progress said...

Hey there Miss Kitty. I'm just sharing the safety information - I'm not going to speculate on the use of the equipment.

Leslie Kelly said...

Well, gee, you should have posted this before our trip to Vegas, then, shouldn't you?!?

Bruce, a work in progress said...

Hey, what happened in Vegas stays in Vegas. But it is a miracle that no injuries were sustained in the absence of proper personal protective equipment.

Malach the Merciless said...

What about a mouthgaurd? Knocked out teeth are not fun.

Bruce, a work in progress said...

Oh no you don't Mal. You're not going to bait me down that path. The CDC justs wants you to plan ahead and be prepared, that's all I'm sayin'.

Malicious Intent said...

Ok, you have not visited my blog in like FOREVER. You have much catching up and worshipping (aka ass kissing) to do. I also have a new friend I just posted about today, you will like.

Now movie it buster, or else!
I'll call your wife and tell her your seeing the mailman.

Some dude stuck in the Midwest said...

Hi, sorry for barging in like that, but this is hillarious.

Bruce, a work in progress said...

MI! I can't get on your blog with this account! I can only access it with my personal account...the one with my full name on it. I don't use that one for blog comments.

No worries Konstantin. You're welcome to barge in anytime. Glad you liked it.