Healthcare

Value of health

It is very important for us to take care of our health. It is rightly said, “If wealth is lost, nothing is lost; If health is lost, something is lost; But if the character is lost, everything is lost.”

Of course, we should not lose everything by losing our character, but why should we lose ‘something’ by losing health?

Ways of keeping healthy

To keep good health, we should have regular walks. A short distance morning walk is the best walk. We should go out in the open fields, in some part of the garden, along a lake or canal. We should also take some light exercise. We should have a regular bath. Our food should be simple but energetic. We should take a balanced diet. It is very important to take milk, some fruit, and green vegetables regularly. Leafy vegetables must also be taken.

Food, clothes, rest, exercise, hobbies, etc.

We should wear simple and a little loose clothes. Tight clothes can prevent the proper circulation of our blood. It is better to wear a white shirt and other clothes in summer. Deep dark colours are the best clothes to wear in winter. Clothes made of polyester, nylon, and terylene fabric should be avoided. Only neat and clean clothes should be worn. These should be daily changed.

Goggles, etc.

To protect our eyes, we may use some dark goggles or specs when we have to go outside in summer glare. Such dark specs should not be worn when we move into a dark room or to a shaded place.

Hobbies

We should have hours of leisure. All work is not good for health. We must have one or more healthy hobbies to pass our vacant period happily and usefully. We can form the habit of reading a book, tending plants, collecting stamps or coins, meeting friends, or watching some interesting or amusing T.V. serials.

Virtues

We must avoid all quarrels and tensions. Greed should be given up. Anger causes a lot of trouble to our nerves and we should avoid it.

Jokes

We should try to remain in the company of good friends who keep us happy. Laughter is said to be the best tonic. So, we may frequently participate in some fresh, healthy jokes. We should avoid stale, sarcastic, and unhealthy jokes which can cause unpleasantness to anybody.

Gyms

We may visit some gym to build muscles, but we should avoid excessive exertion. Yoga is very important to maintain peace of mind and body being closely attached to the mind, the mind must also be taken care of. If our mind tries to mislead us, we should give it the right direction. As a great saint has said, “Not only the mind directs the body, but the body can also direct the mind.” That depends upon our willpower.

Precautionary measures

We should take only fresh, covered food. Over-ripe or raw fruit must not be taken. Consumption of excessive fat and salt should also be avoided. All vegetables and fruit should be washed thoroughly before being eaten. Excessive intake of spices is also bad for health. The use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs should not be made.

Water, milk, etc.

Clean and pure water should only be drunk. Milk should be well boiled before drinking.

Diseases, Malaria management in India.

Special attention should be paid to precautionary measures during the rainy season particularly when epidemics such as malaria, cholera, dysentery, diarrhea, dengue, hepatitis, etc. take a heavy toll on life. In this connection, instructions are sometimes issued by the concerned authorities. We must follow them carefully.