THE WILL TO BE WELL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20538, 12 April 1930, Page 7 (Supplement)

THE WILL TO BE WELL.

(By a Woman Doctor.)

Modern life is strenuous. People are, consequently, showing greater interest in health problems than they did in the past. They realise how much success depends on health. It is impossible to stand the worries and troubles of civilised life without it. Cheerfulness is one of the best aids to good health. We must be cheerful not only for our own sakes but for the sake of others. Most people believe that long life depends chiefly on the body. Those who think deeply realise that there is a close relationship between body and mind, as far as the maintenance o; good health is concerned. Optimism and the will to live often pull us through a serious illness. Nothing is more discouraging to a doctor than a patient who does not caro if he recovers or not. It is as important to stimulate a patient with the desire to get better as to prescribe suitable treatment for him. The "will to be well" is the strongest inside force for preserving health. A sound, cheerful mind and a strong desire to bo in good health arc the best preventives against illness. Imagination is a vital factor in the treatment of disease. To think right and to realise that there is nothing serious the matter with us is half the battle. Extraordinary cures are almost always due to the results of strong mental suggestion. This explains the majority of faith cures. Many famous remedies owe their success to the faith we have in their efficacy. Cheerfulness is only one of I lie _ essentials for good health. I'iesh air and proper food are equally important. Good health leads to a long life. There are, however, weak and sickly people who livo to an old age. Some invalids and cripples not only manage to bo happy themselves, but are useful to their fellow men. They are also able to make other people happy. The difference between health and diseaso is one of degree. It is Jiko the difference between heat and cold. Disease is caused when the equilibrium of the body has been gravely disturbed. Wo ran fight it by applying those methods which help us to preserve health or to prevent disease.