PREVENTION IS THE BEST CURE
We are currently experiencing alarming rates of chronic disease EPIDEMICS, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, hypertension and auto-immune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, eczema, chronic fatigue syndrome. These chronic diseases can be prevented or even reversed. Today, more than 95% of all chronic disease are caused by food choice, toxic food ingredients (such as trans fats, high fructose corn syrup, and artificial additives), nutritional deficiencies (like vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids), lack of rest and physical exercise. This underscores the significant role our lifestyle choices play in our health, and the responsibility we have in making healthier decisions.
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Unfortunately, we live in a crisis-oriented society, a disease-care system instead of a health-wellness care system. The system of medicine practiced today by most physicians is oriented toward acute care, meaning the diagnosis and treatment of trauma or illness that is of short duration and in need of urgent care such as pneumonia, appendicitis, stroke, dengue fever or a broken leg.
Physicians apply specific, prescribed treatments like drugs or surgery that aim to treat an immediate problem or symptom. Visualize a group of health care practitioners mopping up the floor around an overflowing sink, but no one is turning off the faucet. Similarly, Dr. Denis Burkitt (who discovered Burkitt's lymphoma) once said that raising money to pay for ambulances and a hospital at the base of a cliff is not as smart as building a fence at the top to keep cars from falling off. It is crucial not only to treat the problem, but also address its underlying causes. This comprehensive approach to healthcare is essential for preventing the recurrence of the same problem and the onset of new ones, such as side effects from medications, providing a reassurance in our health management.
PREVENTION is a tandem between a rigorous academic research, dedicated practitioners and strong community participation. Prevention should be woven into all aspects of our lives, including where and how we live, learn, work and play. Everyone—government, businesses, educators, health care institutions, communities and every person—has a role in creating a healthier nation.
EAT Healthy
There is a growing body of scientific evidence showing that our body has a remarkable capacity to heal itself, much more quickly than had once been realized, when the underlying causes of illness are addressed. The choices we make each day for what we eat and how we live are among the most important underlying causes. When we eat a healthy diet, quit smoking, exercise, pray, have more love in our lives and manage our stress, then our body receives more blood, oxygen and nourishment. We can be empowered once we discover there is no magic pill and that we are part of the decision-making process, taking control of our health and well-being.
It is definitely cheaper to prevent a problem or disease than to treat it. The wisdom of prevention holds true in many parts of our lives, which is why many of us with cars change the oil regularly. How much cheaper are regular oil changes compared to replacing an engine? The concept is not difficult to understand in relation to cars, so why is it difficult when it comes to our health?
Food as medicine was originally coined by Hippocrates. He believed that eating wholesome food is the basis for good health. Hippocrates said, “Leave your drugs in the chemist’s pot if you can heal the patient with food.” This concept emphasizes the power of natural, whole foods in preventing and treating diseases. It is time to get back to basics. Mother Nature is abundant in herbs, spices and foods that heal, rejuvenate and build our immunity. Let us learn how to navigate our way back to optimum health by incorporating these healing foods into our diet. Why just survive when we can thrive?
Let us focus on prevention, wellness not sickness, and learn how we can defend ourselves against chronic diseases with the food on our plates and drinks in our glasses. Through innovative research (to identify new risk factors and preventive strategies), policy work (to implement health-promoting regulations), educational efforts (to empower individuals with health knowledge), and clinical care (to provide personalized preventive strategies), we can open pathways to keep us out of unnecessary hospitalization, lifetime prescription drugs and living longer and healthier lives.