Prevention Is Better Than Cure

``Prevention is better than cure`` is a very well known proverb. We repeat it so often that we do not absorb the importance of the proverb. In fact, this proverb is very meaningful in every walk of human life. If we practice this virtue, we would save a lot of trouble, time and money.

Generally this proverb refers to human health. We all like to be healthy. But very few of us take the trouble to prevent ill health. That is why we have so many patients among us. Hospitals are the most flourishing Business in our state. We see medical stores in each and every street. Doctors are among the best earners in the society, because everyone needs their service. And almost every student wants to become a doctor; As they know they have a very promising career waiting for them.

The spread of diseases is partly due to the increasing levels of pollution, But our life style and food habits have an important role in inviting all kinds of diseases to our homes. We are taught in primary school itself that we need good air, water, food, exercise and rest for a healthy life. Generally we do not have much control over air and water. But we can control our food and food habits to a great extent. Again exercise is well within our control. Of course we need adequate rest. But most people have too much rest and leisure and that too is not advisable.

We all take several preventive injections and vaccinations throughout our life. This helps in preventing a lot of deadly diseases. Our government has played a massive role in making these vaccines available throughout India and mostly free of cost. We have almost eradicated malaria and small pox. For diseases like AIDS scientists all over the world are taking huge efforts for finding a suitable vaccine. Let us hope their effort would bear fruit in the near future.

Each of us has to pay attention to our personal hygiene. Also we have to take care to keep our premises and public places clean. We have to cultivate that habit. Though we take pride in our personal hygiene, we know that our public places are littered with all kinds of waste material. This should be taken as a national disgrace. People should be made aware of the health hazards. Also those who continue to pollute our roads and rivers and the atmosphere should be punished.

Suppose we do not take care to prevent diseases. Once you are afflicted with a disease, you have to spend time, effort and money. You have to meet doctors, buy medicine, take expensive lab tests and sometimes undergo a surgery also. Once the illness is over, you may be advised to take rest. Students lose their classes and those who are employed lose their wages.

This proverb has its application in all walks of life. Preventive maintenance of buildings, roads and machinery avoids accidents and expensive repairs. So let us all imbibe the spirit of this proverb in our daily life.