The expression “Ticking Time Bomb” originated during World War 2. This referred to bombs that were dropped by the Germans on the British that did not explode initially. The “ticking” sounds emanated from the bomb before the explosion itself produced a frantic response from those people in the bomb’s vicinity.
The metaphor “Ticking Time Bomb” refers to a person or situation that will probably become dangerous or harmful in the future. Often, the expression is used in referring to an unhinged person that could be expected to act in some bizarre and/or violent behavior.
I will now use this expression specifically referring to the healthcare arena and the potential of a person having something catastrophic occur in the near future. The catastrophic occurrences I am referring to may include:
- A sudden, severe heart attack
- A stroke
- A severe metabolic event such as diabetic ketoacidosis
- Cancer diagnosis at an advanced stage
What would make any of us a “Ticking Time Bomb” as this relates to the aforementioned and other potential catastrophic health conditions? Here are some contributing factors:
- Family history of significant medical illnesses and NOT going in for periodic checkups
- Poor weight control
- Excessive alcohol usage
- The use of illicit drugs, especially fentanyl
- Cigarette smoking
- Other poor lifestyle decisions
Take a step back and analyze YOUR potential classification as a health-related “Ticking Time Bomb” and then take the necessary steps to DEFUSE the situation.
And here is a World War 2 era song that we have all heard, performed by Glenn Miller and his orchestra.
