Why do people not realise that this behaviour also puts massive strain on the NHS?

[User56770987]

Running/jogging on icy pavements
Non essential journeys in the car on snowy/icy roads
'but we' re allowed out to exercise'
Careering down really steep hills on sledges. Facebook and WhatsApp full of this. Activity of choice in lockdown it seems.

I'm so sick of people not realising the potential harm they could be doing to already massively under pressure hospitals.

Feel so sorry for nhs doctors and nurses and hcps. Take your busiest day at work and multiple it by 100 and then throw in the mix that people's lives are in their hands- probably still not even close to the stress they are under.

I totally despair.

As often happens, the first few sarcastic responses set the tone for the thread, and posters pile on being 'clever' or 'funny'.

Yes of course the possibilities of rolling off the sofa or slipping on the kitchen floor are exactly the same as hurting yourself while sledging, and are of course equally unavoidable.

To see what Covid does to the NHS (in September/October as infections were starting to rise, not even now when they're sky high) watch Hospital to see medical and organisational staff in tears because they don't have beds, to see patients with cancer being told to go home again on the day of their planned operations. Just maybe you won't feel quite so cavalier.

"Protect the NHS" is shorthand for protect the right of those who are sick to have treatment.

If you dont wish to help reduce the demands on the nHS then when you slip out running, despite your car, or your child develops complications from an infection, or your partner develops a strange lump - sorry but the NHS cant treat you because it only has the resources to help those currently dying.

Obviously everyone thinks they'll actually be fine - but for millions each year it isnt fine. Those who have waited hours for an ambulance when there wasnt one will understand.

I hope we can stop shaming people for the ways they are trying to deal with distress and trauma - I will go out for a walk even if it's snowy, others will drink, eat, stay in bed looking at a ceiling, do a puzzle, pray. We are all trying to cope and get through it.

@Nikki078

Well said