Prevention is the Best Medicine

Dr. George W. Calver

Image - Library of Congress

I came across an article in the AARP magazine regarding the advice of Dr. George W. Calver who was an appointed physician for the U.S. Congress.  During the 1920s as many as 20 U.S. Senators and Representatives were dying every year.  With the care of Dr. Calver and his 10 Commandments of Health, he calmed down the politicians.  He even posted the list throughout the Capitol and printed them on wallet-sized cards, so that every member could carry them with them.

Here are 10 Commandments of Health

1. Eat wisely
2. Drink plentifully (of water)
3. Eliminate thoroughly
4. Bathe cleanly
5. Exercise rationally
6. Accept inevitables (don't worry)
7. Play enthusiastically
8. Relax completely
9. Sleep sufficiently
10. Check up occasionally

P.S.: Give 5% of your time to keeping well and you won’t have to give 100% getting over being sick.”

This advice is not only good for politicians but for all of us. Obviously, he was a physician, not a chaplain.  Maybe, that’s why he didn’t include the spiritual aspects of life.  Our physical body can only work properly when we take the 5% in account and become responsible for our whole life.