The Importance of Prevention

The tragedy of the I-35 West Bridge in Minneapolis was probably caused by a combination of infrequent bridge inspections, the failure to heed warning signs, and lack of adequate care and maintenance. Our hearts and prayers go out to those people who were killed or severely injured in this tragedy. By some miracle the death toll was not as high as it could have been, but this tragedy could have been averted with a proper schedule of maintenance.

The same is true of our bodies. We should not neglect regular examinations or signs that something is not right. It is important to know your body. Do a skin examination to look for any unusual moles or lesions. Women should do monthly breast self examinations. Make a note of any unusual symptoms that you may have. If they persist, see your health care provider for further evaluation. Don’t neglect periodic medical or dental exams.

Even better, practicing preventive medicine can avoid many of these problems in the first place. Many chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease could be prevented by proper diet, nutrition, and a regular exercise program. Avoidance of additives and junk foods also play a role in preventing illness and poor health. The use of vitamins and supplements can also limit the ravages of the aging process.

Often people forgo preventive care because they lack money. As was said very often this past week, a bridge shouldn’t fall into a river in the United States. It should also be said that all Americans should have access to proper healthcare no matter what their level of income. For some ideas on how to reduce the cost of healthcare, visit my website at: http://www.healthplansplus.net.