“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” ― Benjamin Franklin
Since becoming a hospice nurse, I’m really surprised at the number of people I’ve encountered who were newly diagnosed with end stage cancer. Many also found out at the time of being diagnosed that the disease had already spread to at least one other area of their body. Sadly, many of my patients said that they were being treated by their doctor for “something else,” and others never thought their symptoms required prompt medical attention.
Most cancers are hard to detect. So far, scientists have found nothing that’s proven to prevent every cancer, and even the best methods to try to reduce your cancer risk cannot prevent all cancers. That may seem like bad news, however, it’s been proven that early detection can help save lives. Fortunately, some illnesses can be found and treated early before they have a chance to get worse, grow or spread.
“If everyone avoided tobacco, controlled their weight, got enough physical exercise, and took other steps to improve their health, it’s quite possible that more than half of cancer deaths could be prevented.” – American Cancer Society.
Prevention is the best method to stop some diseases from happening. Although many risk factors cannot be avoided, doing what you can to increase your protective factors will lower your risk of getting certain illnesses. You need to plan ahead of time and practice preventative health care even when you’re doing well.
Preventative steps include:
- Get a yearly checkup. This is a key part of preventive care. This can reassure you that you’re as healthy as you feel or prompt you to take care of things that might not be normal.
- Practice healthy habits even when it’s not convenient. You must believe that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important enough to make the necessary sacrifices.
- Get treatment early. Many diseases, when caught early, can be nipped in the bud.
- Take time to educate yourself. The more you know, the more you’ll know what to expect.
Don’t wait until you feel sick to see your doctor. Practicing prevention means taking action to maintain your body in good health throughout your entire lifetime and reaping the benefits. Not having to deal with uncomfortable or painful symptoms, feeling more energetic and just being able to fully enjoy your daily activities, plus avoiding excessive medical expenses are some of the great benefits of preventative health care.
“It is clear that preventive health care is important. By minimizing our individual demands on the health care system, we contribute to keeping the system efficient, affordable and functioning smoothly.” – World Research Foundation
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To Your Success,
Althea
Althea A. McLeish Wilson, RN, MSN
Promoting inner health & outer beauty!
Helping you thrive, not just survive!!
PS. Inner Health & Outer Beauty Store: Health & Wellness with Althea♦
PPS. Did You Find This Helpful? If so, please feel free to share!! Leave a comment or contact me at althea@altheamcleish.com.
Reference/Resource:
- Prevention really is the best medicine – Aetna♦
- Cancer Screening Guidelines – American Cancer Society♦
- Breast Cancer Prevention♦
- Preventive Health Care Helps Everyone – World Research Foundation♦
