We are at
an increasing risk of falling prey to life-style diseases and as per reports
one out of every four Indian is at risk of dying from non-communicable
diseases. Unhealthy lifestyles and a complex work-life balance is adding to
ailments like heart diseases, kidney problems, cancer etc. While we try to do
many things to avoid such diseases, we can also do one small thing to lessen
the impact of critical illnesses, if they strike – Listen to our body. Our body
dynamically passes certain messages when things are not ok in the form of small
signals, like a persistent headache, continuous shoulder pain, sudden loss of
weight and many more. We tend to take these signs lightly thinking they are
nothing. However, avoiding these messages can prove fatal in the long run. It
can not only affect your health badly but also the treatment of these illnesses
in advance stages could be a financial drain on the family as the costs may run
into several lakhs.
As per a
2014 report of the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), the average medical
expenditure per hospitalisation for urban patients rose by about 176% over 2004
- 2014 (about 160% in rural India). What is alarming is that the same NSSO
report said as much as 82% of India’s urban population had no medical
insurance. Perhaps, it is not out of place to ask yourself this question: “If I
am to face a medical emergency today, can I cope with it?”
Fortunately,
today there are steps that can be taken to be prepared:
1. Listen
to your body
Your body
often gives you indications if something is wrong – sometimes through small
signs that may be easy to ignore, e.g. a persistent ache or a cough that does
not go away, sudden weight gain or loss, getting tired easily and many more. It
is imperative we pay attention to these signs and do not ignore them thinking
it is something small. It could be a sign of something big
2. Catch the disease early
Listening
to the signs your body gives you is just the starting point. You also need to
act on it. It is advisable to meet your doctor. It is also imperative you go for
a health check- up. This will help catch the problem early, if any. You can
then start the required recovery process with minimal damage to your health and
finances.
3. Protect
yourself financially
There are
times when a worst-case scenario is unavoidable in spite of all the care you
take. In such cases it is important to have finances in hand. This helps you
get the best treatment so that you can spring back to good health. It also
ensures you do not have to break the savings you would have kept for various
important goals of your life like your child’s education, marriage, retirement
plans for you and your spouse etc. Various critical illness plans are available
today at affordable costs
Bottom
Line
To come
back to the original question, “If I am to face a medical emergency today, am I
prepared?” the answer should be: “Yes, Listen To Your Body” &
protect yourself financially. For More details. Visit - Listen To Your Body.
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