By Jessica Stone (guest writer)
There are two types of individuals in the world: those who regularly service their vehicles and those who, upon hearing an odd noise from the engine, continue to drive until they require a tow from a local technician.
When it arises to our health, it’s the equivalent. Many of us put off going to the doctor until we feel sick. It is much better to take preventative measures than to struggle to recover once we are ill. Why? Because prevention is preferable to treatment.
Where did this phrase initially come from?
The idea of acting now to avert calamity later is not new. The Latin proverb, “It is better and more useful to meet a problem in time than to seek a remedy after the damage is done,” was first used in the middle of the thirteenth century and served as a forerunner to the catchier phrase, “Prevention is better than cure,” which was first used by Dutch philosopher Desiderius Erasmus around the year 1500.
The majority of modern medicine is reactive rather than proactive. Get sick, then go to the doctor. What a costly model that is! For most individuals, the economy, and the entire medical field, it is far more preferable that they are in good condition at any given moment and do not require medical attention. Disease prevention is preferred over treating a disease that is already started. This justification is comparable to the one used to change your car’s oil regularly rather than postpone it and needing to fix a blown engine.
How may a disease be prevented?
Fortunately, even little lifestyle adjustments can significantly influence illness prevention. The best way to maintain your body and mind in top condition and prevent illness is to adhere to these six measures.
- Give up smoking
Smoking rates have decreased by half over the past 25 years, demonstrating that anyone can make a change if they are sufficiently informed about the risks associated with a particular lifestyle practice. Non-smokers gain since there are fewer smokers around and smoking is no longer permitted indoors, which lowers their risk of contracting a smoking-related ailment.
- Keep a proper weight.
The Heart Foundation advises that we maintain a healthy weight range for our height and that males should have a waist circumference of less than 94 cm and women less than 80 cm. This can be readily ascertained using the Body Mass Index calculator provided by the Heart Foundation.
- Consume a healthy diet.
It can be confusing with so much contradictory information regarding what to eat. An excellent place to start is to strive for a nutritious, well-balanced diet that includes lots of vegetables, fruits, proteins and be aware to avoid foods to which the body is sensitive. The University of Newcastle’s No Money No Time website offers easy and inexpensive methods to eat healthy with funding from the NIP Foundation. You may even take a questionnaire to determine your individualized needs.
- Refrain from consuming too much alcohol
According to estimates, 4.5% of all diseases and injuries are caused by alcohol usage. The Hello Sunday Morning Daybreak app, which the NIF Foundation funds, is a helpful resource for anyone looking to alter their relationship with alcohol.
- Stay energetic
On most days of the week, if not all, try to engage in moderate-intensity physical exercise for at least 30 minutes. Training at a moderate level increase breathing rate and depth noticeably, while allowing for comfortable conversation.
- Monitor your health.
No matter your age, scheduling routine health exams is vital.
Why is prevention preferable over cure?
Taking care of yourself can significantly lower your risk of becoming ill. The lifestyle choices we make greatly influence how well we function. Everyone would prefer living a long and fulfilling life over dealing with the pain and disability that might accompany illness. Read more: Loving Homecare
