Prevention is better than cure

Prevention is Better than Cure

Dr Surendra G Gattani

Helping people maintain their health, happiness, and independence for as long as feasible. This includes lowering the risk of problems emerging in the first place and, when they do, helping people in managing them as effectively as possible. Prevention is just as vital at age seventy as it is at seven. Many chronic diseases or disorders can be avoided by making simple modifications to our lifestyle or daily routine.

The leading cause of death in India nowadays is lifestyle disorders. Over 61% of all fatalities in India are caused by lifestyle or noncommunicable illnesses (NCDs). Lifestyle diseases are ailments caused mostly by people’s daily lifestyle. Habits that distract people from action and force them into a sedentary pattern can create many health difficulties that can lead to chronic noncommunicable diseases that can have near-life-threatening consequences.

In the present scenario population across the country suffers from life-threatening lifestyle diseases; it includes mostly non-communicable diseases such as cancer, hypertension, diabetes, hormonal imbalance, infertility arthritis, spondylitis, heart complications, liver cirrhosis, fatty liver, Obesity, etc. Being a developing country, medical costs are not affordable.  The most important milestone for the Indian population will be to keep the focus on prevention or preventive measures to enjoy a long and healthy life. The following are the important indicators if controlled or managed, that can prevent any diseases.

Food: Food is the most crucial aspect of human life because it offers macro and micronutrients for total organ health. Unfortunately, food adulteration, pesticides, and fertilizer, as well as chemical ingestion through processed and packaged food, all contribute to a variety of diseases and disorders. To avoid it, consume only homemade foods, avoid processed and packaged foods, and experiment with organic foods, fruits, and nuts. Do not eat after sundown, and chew meals slowly for better absorption and mindfulness

Sleep:  It provides free medication and insurance. Get 7-8 hours of sleep, go to bed by 9 p.m., and wake up in Brahma muhurta or before sunrise. To preserve the biological clock. Most health problems occur when we do not get enough sleep. Less sleep disrupts the biological clock, affecting all body systems, from the skin to the brain. A good night’s sleep can fix a lot of problems. When we feel less energetic, agitated, or unwell, we are sleep-deprived.

Exercise: To keep your body active, energetic, flexible, and strong enough, devote 02 hours to yoga, pranayama, running, walking, meditation, swimming, playing, and so on. However, regardless of the scenario or work pressure, do not skip your 02-hour exercise program. You’ll be fit and fine.

Fasting: Once a week, fasting can consist of water, fruit, or intermittent fasting for body purification. Fasting is a centuries-old practice that is essential to many cultures and religious traditions. Some people may notice an improvement in their mental clarity and focus. According to Ayurveda, fasting helps to balance your doshas. It may protect against allergies to cancer and neurological illnesses.

Medicine: Avoid irrational usage of medication. Follow the following natural rules: anytime you have a health issue, allow the body to take sufficient and healthy rest, and consume only satwik or extremely simple food (free of oil, sugar, salt, and maida). If you are not obtaining relief, go for pranayama and yoga asanas. – Use naturopathy and Ayurveda first, then visit a doctor about allopathic treatment if necessary. This will assist you in avoiding unnecessary use of medicine. Excessive usage of medication has a negative influence on health.

Pollution: It contains plastic, air, sound, and water. According to data available on government websites, air pollution is the number one killer. People are dying as a result of air pollution, not diseases or ailments. Avoid exposure to pollutants. For example, air pollution levels are measured using the Air Quality Index; if it is between 0 and 50, it is good; if it is greater than 50, it indicates that the pollution is unhealthy. If you are traveling to any place, check the AQI index and take appropriate precautions (such as the use of a mask, goggles, mouth cover, or nasal filter).

Stress: Our attitude to stress is what kills us, not the stress itself. Stress affects everyone, regardless of age, wealth, or status. Life is filled with tension. Stress is an unavoidable aspect of life that we must all cope with. It comes in various forms and sizes; even our thoughts can generate stress and make the human body more vulnerable to illness. Don’t let stress consume you; instead, try to overcome it by increasing social engagement, visiting temples, praying, engaging in hobbies, enjoying music, interacting with children and the elderly, and spending quality time with family. These activities will help you reduce stress, maintain a work-life balance, and be optimistic about life.

Many chronic diseases or disorders can be prevented over time by keeping small changes in lifestyle or our daily routine. There is no rocket science or need doctor. Simply control the food, sleep, do 1-2 hrs exercise, avoid unnecessary use of medicines, do fast in the true sense ones in a week, avoid pollution and be relaxed say no to stress. If you control the seven elements.  I am sure you will enjoy a long and healthy life.

The author is a Senior Professor at the School of Pharmacy, Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Nanded