Self Defense Means Making Choices

You always have choices. Always. Since that is the case, making smart choices regarding your own self defense is important. Back in the 60s self defense meant not getting in the car with a date who was drinking. It meant putting dimes in your penny loafers so you’d always have money in case you needed to call a cab or call a friend or parent to come pick up. These days it translates into some very basic rules, too.

• Charge your cell phone daily. Make sure your hands-free device is charged, too.

• Take your cell phone with you. Senior citizens are being coached to keep a cell phone in a pocket at all times. If there is an emergency they may not be able to walk two rooms away to find the phone.

• Tell someone where you are going. Just like campers going into the wilderness who are required to file a hiking plan, clue in your friends, family, or neighbors so they will know when to start worrying and send out a search party.

• Avoid isolation. Many of us require a certain amount of solitude. For safety’s sake, be in contact with someone who will recognize a change in your pattern and check on you – just in case.