A Stitch In Time Saves Nine - Prevention not Cure

It is a sad fact that most people pay little attention to their health until it is at risk. It is only then that people truly realise that health and wellbeing is far more important than money, and that all the money in the world cannot always buy health.

From an early age we learn that prevention is better than cure - a stitch in time saves nine. Nowhere is this more true than in caring for our health, and with our health we don't always get a second chance if something goes wrong.

With the exception of some factors determined by genetics our general state of health is essentially determined by our lifestyle - our diet, the exercise we get, the respect we have for our bodies. All of these are the key determiners of our present and future health.

There are a number of things we can do to be healthy but essentially it boils down to this - we must live as nature intends. By eating healthy natural foodstuffs, by exercising in the open air, and by listening to our bodies we can have a positive influence on our health - even in the midst of factors we cannot control such as chronic disease.

More than half of all people are afflicted by digestive disease. Many people opt for so called convenience foods these days - these foods are rich in ingredients that are essentially poison to the healthy working of our bodies. People pay the price of these 'convenience' foods with the inconvenience of chronic ill health.

It is true, that even "bad" foods (like alcohol and tobacco) in small quantities are useful and "good" foodstuff (for instance vitamins) become harmful when overdosed. A glass of wine is useful for the cardio-vascular system; a cigarette can speed the functioning of the digestive system and relieve stress. Vitamins stimulate everything, including the growth of malign cells! There are good and bad fats ~ ones we need and ones that harm us.

Another factor for our physical health is our mental health, although it is oversimplified to separate them, because they are so interconnected. Our emotional status affects our health and stress contributes to so many diseases - cancer, heart attacks, mental diseases, etc. In the developed countries (USA, Japan, and Western Europe) mental diseases and disorders are the number one reason for disabilities.

For instance, depression can be considered a minor disorder - so many people suffer from it for years and since they are still alive, it cannot be that dangerous. Yes, it is true, that one does not die immediately of depression, but when people are depressed, they either eat more (chocolates, fat- rich foods) or refuse to eat at all, which in turn impacts their physical health.

The world in which we live can have a profound impact on our health. Pollution, noise and even radiation are facts of life in industrialised nations and they have a very negative effect on our lives. This can be counteracted by taking trips to places with fresh air like mountains.

Sports and exercise are proven friends of health. Moderate physical activity at least two times a week is relaxing to body and soul for old and for young. Besides burning calories, regular exercise helps one feel happier and in good shape. This in turn affects positively his or her health.

Peter Sachford is the webmaster and operator of FP Health which is a popular and extensive resource for health information. For more information, plus Health links, articles and newsletter go to: http://www.fphealth.com

---

Natural Healing For The Body

Back-to-Nature AromatherapyBack-to-nature is a new health initiative by people living... Read More

4 Natural Home Remedies to Ease the Pain of Sunburn

At some time or another, we've all experienced the effects... Read More

The Benefits of Drinking Mangosteen (XanGo)

Benefits of Drinking XanGo:The Mangosteen fruit (XanGo's main ingredient) is... Read More

Anxiety & Panic - Two Steps to Take Before the Healing Process Begins

Anxiety sufferers are usually at a loose end after trying... Read More

Shemale Breast Enlargement - Transgender Breast Development

Shemales, or transgender males who strive to achieve more feminine... Read More

Quit Smoking With Nature?s Help

Smoking is very dangerous to your health. Most smokers feel... Read More

Treating West Nile Virus with High Quality St. Johns Wort

West Nile Virus, although new to the U.S., is well-documented.... Read More

Gout Pain Relief With Cherry Power - How To Ease Pain By Eating Fruit

We can all learn something new every day! And good... Read More

Alter Your Perceptions

This article first appeared in The Sept. 2004 issue of... Read More

Athlete Foot Remedies

Athlete foot is a common skin infection that is caused... Read More

Independent Research Proves Effectiveness of Magnotherapy Wristbands

"Magnetic bracelets reduce the pain of osteoarthritis." Those are the... Read More

Herbs ? Natures Potent Remedies

Use of herbs for health and as a medicine has... Read More

Ginger for Upset Stomach

The common ginger root used in cooking has been found... Read More

Green Apple: Refreshing Taste, Uplifting Fragrance

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away"A common fruit,... Read More

Eucalyptus: The Way to Smoother Breathing

The eucalyptus is a popular Australian remedy that was first... Read More

Breathing Your Way To Health

Breathing, yes of course we do it, if not we'd... Read More

Wild Medicine and Tansy Cakes

It started with the Tansy cakes. I had to ask... Read More

5 Ways to Deal With ADHD

With an increasing number of our youths suffering ADHD, stress... Read More

Use Digestive Enzymes to Reduce Hemorrhoid Inflammation

Using digestive enzymes when you have hemorrhoids is a good... Read More

Reflexology Therapy

Reflexology therapy, (an ancient art practiced by early Egyptians), is... Read More

Emu Oil: Wonder Cure or Snake Oil?

In my search for at-home spa treatments and home herbal... Read More

Why Your Mattress May Be Killing You

The organic movement, which started with organic food, is moving... Read More

Treat Osteoporosis Naturally

Osteoporosis is a condition that faces every baby boomer; man... Read More

Holistic Health

Holistic Health involves natural treatment options like holistic health nutrition,... Read More

Myofascial Release

What is MYOFACSCIAL RELEASE? Myofascial release is a tender mixture... Read More

At-Home Relief For Ingrown Hairs

#1 Use Antibiotic SoapAntibiotic soap helps to clear up and... Read More

The Facts About Glutathione and Parkinsons Disease

Parkinson's Disease (PD), a devastating illness, occurs in one of... Read More

Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy is a massage session that takes place in... Read More

Five Simple Steps For Treating Heel Pain

If you experience a sharp pain in your heel at... Read More

Anal Warts Treatment (Finally, a Medicine for Anal Warts Which Removes Them Completely!)

Anal warts treatmentAnal warts, otherwise known as genital warts or... Read More

Toxic Plastic Water Bottles

I recently received a question from one of my readers... Read More

Health Benefits of Tea

Tea: It Does the Body GoodStudies that support the health... Read More

The Importance of Touch

Through the simple process of touch, Reflexology is so effective... Read More