Health Issues

The word "health" comes from the Old English word "hale," which means wholeness or being whole and sound. Good health is essential for every living being, as it reflects the physical and mental wellbeing that influences our daily lives. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "Health is wealth," and Mahatma Gandhi said, "It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver".

The word "health" comes from the Old English word "hale," which means wholeness or being whole and sound. Good health is essential for every living being, as it reflects the physical and mental wellbeing that influences our daily lives. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "Health is wealth," and Mahatma Gandhi said, "It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver". Why is good health is important? Being healthy, both mentally and physically, allows a person to enjoy life fully. It increases our ability to work efficiently and allow us to travel freely and enjoy life. Rich or poor, anyone can suffer from illness health does not discriminate. For instance, a diabetic person cannot enjoy sweet treats like ice cream or traditional sweets. They must limit their sugar intake, unlike a healthy individual who can eat freely without worry. Therefore, maintaining good health is not just a personal matter, but a necessity for a fulfilling and joyful life. Hippocrates an ancient Greek physician is known as the “Father of Medicine”. He is credited with establishing a scientific approach to medicine, distinguishing it from religious or superstitious practices.

Symbol of Medicine

The rod of Asclepius is the historically correct symbol of the medical profession and is employed worldwide. Asclepius was the Greek god of medicine or healing. The rod is often depicted as a fat club being held by Asclepius with a single snake, gentle and benign, wrapped around it, consistent with gentle healing and idealized medicine. The rod of Asclepius is recognized as the symbol of medicine which we see usually see on Ambulance, Hospitals and clinics which symbolizes healing, renewal, and the power of knowledge.

In our today’s world major health issues comes from long sitting hour on a place, which limit our movements, physical work and cause obesity. Obesity is the major cause for many minor and major diseases. In today’s hustle life where we can’t have proper healthy meals most of the youngsters usually eat fast foods because it’s cheap, can eat anywhere and easily consumable but major issue come after they consume it on regular basis which makes them obese high cholesterol in body and then major diseases like stomach pain, heart attack, gastric and digestion problems. Therefore, understanding the importance of health and the principles that guide medical care is essential for leading a balanced and fulfilling life.

History of Medicine and Health Around the World

Medicines and surgery before 1800 were in their early stages of the trial-and-error phase. In the past, several caves and inscriptions were historians finding evidence of surgery, skull cut by sharp objects, different surgical tools discovered in various sites, and there are many pictures on caves that show that in the early era, surgery and medicine were in use. Magic and religion played a large part in the medicine of prehistoric or early human society. Administration of a vegetable drug or remedy by mouth was accompanied by incantations, dancing, grimaces, and all tricks of the magician. Therefore, the first-time doctors, or “medicine men,” were witch doctors or sorcerers. The use of charms and talismans, which is still prevalent in modern times, is of ancient origin.

Earliest form of medicines performed by Ancient civilization

Indian Medicine: Ayurveda, detailed in texts like the Charakasamhita and Sushrutasamhita, focused on balancing bodily substances and included surgical techniques, such as plastic surgery and cataract operations.

Chinese Medicine: Traditional Chinese medicine aims to balance these forces within the body. Practices included acupuncture, herbal remedies, and moxibustion, with foundational texts such as Huangdi Neijing dating back to the 3rd millennium BCE.

Mesopotamian Medicine: Known from clay tablets and the Code of Hammurabi, Mesopotamian medicine involves divination and rudimentary surgical practices, with severe penalties for medical failures.

Egyptian Medicine: Highlighted by figures such as Imhotep, Egyptian medicine included surgical treatments and herbal remedies documented in papyri, such as the Ebers Papyrus.

Modern Medicine

The Renaissance marked a turning point in the history of medicine, especially between the 16th and 18th centuries. This era saw a rise in scientific experiments and detailed studies of human anatomy, laying the foundation for modern medical practice.

One major breakthrough came in 1804 when German scientist Friedrich Serturner developed morphine as the first modern painkiller. This was followed by the discovery of other key medicines such as quinine and paracetamol. Doctors have become more methodical in diagnosing diseases, and surgeries have become safer with the introduction of antiseptics and anesthesia. Public health has also become a major focus, leading to the establishment of hospitals and improved healthcare systems.

From the mid-18th to the early 19th centuries, medicine became a recognized profession. This period also opened doors for women in the medical field, where many began to work as nurses and physicians.