In this world we see that everyone more or less is suffering from some ailment or other. Some are susceptible to colds, some can’t stand heat, some are prematurely gray or their teeth loosen, and some have poor eyesight, etc. These ailments are not as serious as many others; they may not put the patient to bed. Still they cause suffering.
In the hospital we get a glimpse of how destruction is ever chasing life. Disease opens the door to death and is our enemy most cruel. In nineteenth century infectious diseases like pox, cholera, typhoid, etc. have wiped out villages after villages.
The chief antidote to diseases is cleanliness and good food. Food with nutritious and calorific content is required. Cleanliness is next to godliness. This principle holds good not only for the individual but also for the collective body. In fact, no man can live safely if his neighbors are diseased. That is why we need a co-operative effort to keep ourselves healthy.
When any country collectively takes the responsibility of destroying the very sources of disease, the death rate will undoubtedly fall within five years. Within ten years diseases will be few and infant mortality will practically disappear.
Healthy parents breed healthy children, and unhealthy parents breed unhealthy children. The son comes to the mother’s womb according to the condition of his parents. Healthy people are almost always lucky enough to get healthy children.
If means are thus taken to prevent diseases before they occur, a country will automatically get a new lease on health and life. European countries practice prevention of disease, and they have much less disease than we do. Their children are stout and strong, and they receive an early and careful education in hygiene and health. If we look at the statistical reports of European countries, we will be able to guess how far our sub-continent in behind. It is all because we are back- ward in this matter. For more than a century our country has not taken care of its people. Good health gives sharp intellect and energy for work. The countries that are not educated in health are always backward in intellect and efficiency. Our Sub-continent can be put as an example. She seldom produces robust and healthy children, and the best that she can do does not come up to the standard of European countries. European countries have tried hard for health, and they have succeeded in large measure. Still they have not succeeded completely. Diseases are still present there.
A good mind is as necessary as a good body. Every family should keep its traditions and set a good example for the descendants. We may try hard for health, but if we don’t adjust our complexes, we will never get rid of disease either. Complexes are at the root of disease, and a balanced life keeps the health good. This is a matter of character. Heavenly children come from men and women of good character.
In all these ways-food, cleanliness, parentage, traditions, and character-disease can be prevented and health improved. European countries have practically adopted most of these preventive methods for keeping themselves un-diseased. We are in crying need of more health and character just now so that we can stand alongside other countries. When the change will come, we will be in heaven on earth. But who will build our character simultaneously with our health?