There is something you know better than almost anyone else. This is great, but sometimes our expertise gets in the way.
Heart disease is the leading killer of Americans. It’s pretty important to get regular checkups from your doctor for vitals such as your blood pressure*. Check out these four blood pressure readings below.
185/110
155/95
125/80
95/65
Most people can’t tell the difference between these readings. Do you understand the relationship of Systolic and Diastolic pressure? I for one certainly don’t. Right after my doctor reads me my blood pressure I usually ponder, “So… Am I going to live to 100 or die tomorrow?”
It isn’t just healthcare. It sounds weird but milk can be a bad communicator as well. I’m sure you have had that internal dialogue, after smelling a suspect gallon of milk. “Can I stretch this another day?”
If the milk isn’t rancid yet and the printed label says “Sell by 4/28/13” (which we will say was hypothetically yesterday), what is the next move? “Sell by” speaks to the grocery store stock boy, but leaves us confused standing in the kitchen. A “Drink by” label would probably be better.
Do you ever take the time to think that maybe your message is coded to a degree? You’re going to take the time to figure out what your blood pressure means because of how important your health is. But not everyone can get away with it like your doctor can. Most of us are experts in fields that are more competitive, flexible and with fewer consequences.
Most of us probably fall somewhere between the hierarchy of milk and medical professionals. Perhaps we can improve our communication as well.
* Here is a breakdown of what your Blood Pressure represents.
