Chapter 2 – Prevention Is Better than Cure (218)

Chapter 2 – Prevention Is Better than Cure: The Second Gospel

蘇鎮邦 (Christopher So)：
舒整物理治療師 (Manipulative Physiotherapist) 人類工程師 (Ergonomist)

If material wealth is necessary and spiritual wealth is absolutely necessary, then health at least is important. It is generally acknowledged that watching too much TV and extended computer time will shorten one’s life span because sitting too much without proper or appropriate exercises will cause early degeneration.

George Carlin commented:

“We’ve learned how to make a living, but not a life. We conquered outer space but not inner space.”

The two great enemies of humanity are greed and laziness. For the sake of material enjoyment, many work their guts out to get money to buy big houses, luxurious cars and become a glutton. Lack of exercises makes them overweight with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, low cardiovascular capacity and early degeneration.

From my point of view as a Christian Physiotherapist, many focus on material wealth and neglect their spiritual (mental) and physical health. Many are able to control their environment, even that of others, but they cannot control their own desires for material pleasures in enjoying their food, watching TV and surfing the net leading to lack of sleep and exercises. Becoming over weight will be the consequence. Many cannot discipline themselves and are unable to persevere with the appropriate amount and type of exercises.They need reminders, encouragement and supervision.

Therefore, I would like to share with you the Second Gospel. This is a gospel about physical health. Obviously, one’s spiritual belief e.g. the Gospel of Christ may help one’s discipline and perseverance.

I would like to share with you my insight accumulated over 30 years about physical health in particular muscles and joints issues. I will gradually introduce common joint and muscle problems and simple, easy-to-follow exercises for readers to do so as to keep you from aging too quickly. I will show you the exercises that I am doing every day. I am a practical person. I understand that many have a very busy life. However, 15 minutes a day is not too much to ask. Also, you can choose the one that suits you most. There is no hard and fast rule. If in doubt, ask your physiotherapist.