Which is better between disease prevention and the cure? Yes, certainly. Across the globe, the use of preventative measures has been at the heart of primary prevention especially the epidemiological control of infectious diseases, health and safety, as well as in other affairs of life, even in the financial sector. We are all familiar with the adage: “prevention is better than the cure” (The Lancet,1897; Cheung, F.,2013). This is certainly true of many things.
In the health sector, prevention refers to the actions that inhibit the manifestation of diseases. This may also include actions to improve outcomes. Prevention is the primary shield that saves mankind from many disasters, chaos and destruction. Through prevention, the associated discomfort and cost that accompanies ill health, is averted. It is much easier to prevent the onset of ill health than cure it. Treatments fundamentally involve greater efforts and rigorous actions before one can overcome, or minimise the effects of, the illness experienced. A cure is a blessing, but prevention is a wise action. Prevention of infectious diseases through proper hygiene, such as regular hand washing to prevent illnesses caused by infectious agents, are regularly seen in practice in hospitals. It is cheaper to implement fire safety precautions in an organisation than face the cost and consequences of a fire. This is the most important drive behind writing this book. The purpose of this book is not only to educate ordinary people, but to enlighten health professionals.
Almost every country around the world has embraced preventative measures such as vaccinations, screening tests and health education as a means of preventing diseases, some of which have made a huge positive impact. In the current climate, there is a greater need for advocacy to enlighten people, and to ensure that people live a life of wellness, free of illnesses and diseases. This may seem an illusion to some, but it is attainable and realistic. More work is needed to consolidate the efforts of government control policies, the World Health Organisation (WHO), individuals and non-governmental organisations to prevent the effects of chronic diseases on people’s lives.
We must praise the efforts of various institutions and individuals who have worked so doubtlessly and tirelessly to ensure the health of the population is guaranteed. However, the ongoing, sky-rocketing costs of medical screenings and preventative measures has given room for concern. Are these sustainable in the long run? Say, to 2050? Prolonging and increasing awareness of various physical preventative measures such as diet, fitness/exercise and avoidance of smoking and alcohol is also important. So, it is disappointing that they are unable to prevent a range of diseases. Without taking all the preventative measures within the domains of health into consideration, many of these physical preventative measures are unlikely to work or be effective for every disease and illness, as has been observed in the last ten decades, especially when considering illnesses that predominantly originate within the soul and the spirit. This concept may be entirely novel for many, but my understanding, through inspiration, has indicated that many of life’s challenges and illnesses surely originated from the realms of the spirit.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
