When my good friend Rodney asked me if I felt like writing a little something about preventative health, I wasn’t initially sure that I was the right man for the job.
“It’s not really my scene, all that herbs and rubbing hot stones on your energy centres, Rod. Not sure I can help you.” I apologised, trying not to sneer too much.
“Just think about it for a minute”, He replied. “We don’t want an expert’s opinion. For instance, do you have any reoccurring health problems that you’d appreciate advice on?”
“Well lets see. I drink and I smoke. Oh, and I have a bit of heartburn”. “To be fair”, Rodney said, The first three aren’t health problems, they are lifestyle problems.
“So for instance, your heartburn is caused by acid from your stomach, entering the lower part of you oesophagus. This is prompted in a number of ways. Eating causes your stomach to increase acid production to digest the food, and so modification of your food intake can reduce risk of heartburn. Similarly, smoking and alcohol consumption can lead to heartburn, also called acid reflux. You can avoid this by eating and drinking the right food and drink.”
“Ah, so this is preventative health?” I said, as the penny dropped. “So you don’t have to wear sandals and believe in karma, and hate squashing small living things for this to be useful then?”
“Of course not. You can be a godless cynical ignoramus just like yourself, and this sort of information will still be relevant. It’s just about knowing the cause and effect, and taking preventative action”.
I thanked Rodney for his time and retired for the evening. I lit myself a cigarette and topped up my wineglass, and reflected on how, well, some people will never learn.
Stephen is right. The reason why prevention is usually ignored by people maybe because people are denial.
