No more excuses! Let’s get healthy

Jogging and cycling activity at the Cherok To Kun recreational forest in Bukit Mertajam yesterday. - Starpic by MUSTAFA AHMAD / The Star / 11 October 2016.

I AGREE with Vijayalakshmi Govindasamy (“Act responsibly, live healthily”, The Star, Dec 29) that we should not burden our Government with increasing healthcare costs.

I believe that the healthcare costs, spent especially on treating lifestyle diseases, could be curtailed extensively. These diseases are preventable and our Government has taken ample initiatives to guide people from all walks of life in maintaining healthy lifestyles.

Elderly people in our country often suffer from chronic lifestyle-related disorders such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, stroke and so on. In contrast, the younger ones tend to suffer from obesity and addiction to tobacco, alcohol and drugs.

These are scenarios that could be avoided because the Government has provided knowledge, opportunities for rehabilitation and awareness of practising healthy lifestyles via seminars, advertisements and campaigns.

In addition, with the abundance of medical centres in Malaysia, people could easily consult the health experts or clarify their doubts on health issues.

For those who are struggling financially, no excuses could be given since the Government has set up the 1Malaysia Clinics. People should stop giving excuses and start to understand that it is just a matter of implementing the know­ledge gained on healthy lifestyles in a positive and consistent manner to see fruitful results.

Since the New Year is soon upon us, maintaining a healthier lifestyle should be listed as the prime target in everyone’s life. Let’s consume nutritious food, exercise frequently and get regular check-ups in order to stay fit as a fiddle. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.

Happy New Year, folks.

VISHIN NAIR

Tangkak, Johor