Prevention Vs Cure – This is a term I often read! I imagine it being said with that tone that principals speak so well, in a lecture like tone. That is how I perceive it anyway!

If only the powers to be could somehow enlist our mental fortitude to see all statements relating to the ‘Prevention is better than Cure” statement as less lecture like.

Oh how I wish a wise soul within our thoughts could convert the ‘Prevention is better than Cure” statement to “A healthy active lifestyle rewards ‘your future you’ with freedom!

If one could ideally read it as a ‘Get out of Jail’ card if you like where one isn’t imprisoned by limitations imposed by a disease! Or perceive it is a free pass to the Carnival of the Living!

Where one can say ‘Yes’ to cycling with the grandchildren. ‘Yes’ to chasing after the furry family member on the beach. ‘Yes’ to simply walking faster across the road without fear of bones breaking due to the silent disease that now afflicts up to 200 million women world wide – Osteoporosis.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones become weak and are more likely to break. People with osteoporosis most often break bones in the hip, spine, and wrist. Once the bone is fractured, patients require replacement knee or hip surgery which can often cause unnecessary pain. Unfortunately, some of the medical devices used in the surgeries, like the Zimmer knee replacement, have been recalled and might even require a revision surgery if implanted. I urge readers to do proper research with their doctor before opting for any medical device. (niams.nih.gov)

An estimated 30% of post menstrual women globally now suffer from this bone disease with up to 200 million world wide. These above statistics (which ultimately are mine and your grandmother’s, mothers, sisters, sister in laws) ‘freedom’ is not so vast. Their ‘freedom’ is governed daily by sinister thoughts post emotional notions or impulses if you like, that the 20year old something takes for granted.

This bone disease Osteoporosis approximately affects one-tenth of women aged 60, one-fifth of women aged 70, two-fifths of women aged 80 and two-thirds of women aged 90.

So I sit here as my 30 year old Australian self processing the above stats with one thought running through the treadmill that is my mind. “Will I be the 30% with Osteoporosis or the 20% without?”

With the knowledge that I have exercised my right to ‘free movement’ from a very young age in the form of ‘resistance training’ – which I believe should be everybody’s best friend. 🙂 And by ‘resistance training’ I mean any movement that is against resistance of some kind (and not the Popeye Spinach inflicting kind that just sprang to your mind:) ). I am talking about swimming, running, rowing, riding, surfing, skateboarding, lunges at the beach whilst watching the surf! Whatever takes your fancy! My 30 year old self is feeling safe and sound.

As I imagine the wise soul within our thoughts would profess, ‘Congratulations you have one third of a ‘get out of jail’ free card.

To hold that second third card you must plan to keep ticking your health and lifestyle boxes of wholesome food (encompassing protein, calcium, good fats in each snack/meal) for the next 20 years so when you are 50 you can be rewarded with your final third ‘get out of jail’ free card and stamp your ticket to the Carnival of Life with perpetual freedom!’ I must (and I urge you to do the same) continue to listen to this wise soul and live to be rewarded with my third ‘get out of jail’ free card!

So next time I read the ‘statement’ if you like ‘Prevention is better than Cure’ I will see the 60 year old version of myself chasing grandkids on the beach into the surf and onto the sandbank – with no hesitation, no second guessing or negative thoughts. Simply with the ‘freedom’ that I deserve!