148 Where There Is No Doctor 2011
OTHER WAYS TO PREVENT SICKNESS AND INJURY
In this chapter we have talked about ways to prevent intestinal and other
infections through hygiene, sanitation, and vaccination. All through this book you
will find suggestions for the prevention of sickness and injury—from building healthy
bodies by eating nutritious foods to the wise use of home remedies and modern
medicines.
The Introduction and Words to the Village Health Worker give ideas for getting
people working together to change the conditions that cause poor health.
In the remaining chapters, as specific health problems are discussed, you will
find many suggestions for their prevention. By following these suggestions you can
help make your home and village healthier places to live.
Keep in mind that one of the best ways to prevent serious illness and death is
early and sensible treatment.
Early and sensible treatment is an
important part of preventive medicine.
Before ending this chapter, we would like to mention a few aspects of prevention
that are touched on in other parts of the book, but deserve special attention.
Habits that Affect Health
Some of the habits that people have not only damage their own health but in one
way or another harm those around them. Many of these habits can be broken or
avoided but the first step is to understand why breaking these habits is so important.
DRINKING
If alcohol has brought much joy, it has also brought
much suffering—especially to the families of those who
drink. A little alcohol now and then may do no harm.
But too often a little leads to a lot. In much of the world,
heavy or excessive drinking is one of the underlying
causes of major health problems—even for those who
do not drink. Not only can drunkenness harm the health
of those who drink (through diseases such as cirrhosis
of the liver, p. 328, and hepatitis, p. 172), but it also
hurts the family and community in many ways. Through
the loss of judgment when drunk—and of self respect
when sober—it leads to much unhappiness, waste,
and violence, often affecting those who are loved most.