Friday the 13th

Are you superstitious?

If so, then this Friday the 13th will be especially troublesome since it falls in October.

I’ve always considered myself mildly superstitious.

I’ll avoid walking under ladders, I’ll knock on wood, and I’m not too thrilled if I break a mirror.

This afternoon I jumped a curb to avoid a black cat crossing the street.

Perhaps I’m more than mildly superstitious.

It made me curious on the origins of the notorious bad luck day.

A popular theory states it came from the 13 guests at the Last Supper and the fact Jesus was crucified on a Friday.

Seems a little far-fetched to me.

Maybe it’s not a superstition at all.

Several studies have examined the rates of traffic accidents that occur on Friday the 13th in contrast to other Fridays.

A 1993 study published in the British Medical Journal found that hospital admissions related to traffic accidents increased by 52 percent on Friday the 13th.

Wether that’s a self-fulfilling prophecy or not due to the superstition is up for interpretation.

However, if you ask any one who deals in the medical profession, specifically emergency rooms on Friday the 13th or for that matter during a full moon they’ll tell you there is definitely something to it.

Whatever you want to make of it, it’s fun and a little spooky that it falls in October.

If it concerns you try to remember that it’s also the start of the weekend.

NHC HealthCare will be holding the second annual Kickball for ALZ tournament this Saturday. The Alzheimer Association fundraiser is at Indian Park in Kennett and begins at 8:00 a.m.

The event will feature concessions, music, games and bounce houses as well.

Let’s get out there and support this noble cause.

I plan on attending.

I’ll be the one walking around with my fingers crossed, avoiding cracks and holding my lucky rabbits foot.

See you out there.