Lead A Healthy Lifestyle To Lessen Economic Burden: Sermon

Bandar Seri Begawan - Bruneians are urged to take care of their health not just for personal interest but also to lessen the country's economic burden.

Unhealthy lifestyles of Bruneians have led to an increase in chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, stroke and heart diseases, which in turn have led to high medical costs.

These costs are absorbed by the government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

In the sermon yesterday, imams highlighted that as of 2007, the Ministry of Health spent about $4.5 million a month or $54 million that year particularly on combating the five most lethal diseases in the country. Out of the total, about $3.7 million was spent on treating diabetes, $6 million for cancer and $23 million for heart diseases.

The imams attribute the prevalence of chronic illnesses to a modern lifestyle that features excessive and unhealthy food intake, smoking and decreased levels of physical activity. They also called all levels of society to take better care of their health so that they contribute to their communities while lessening the economic burden of providing health services at health centres and hospitals.

Pointing out that Islam advocates followers to always be physically fit and healthy so that they may carry out every day duties, the imams also said that health itself is a luxury for some people and often taken for granted by those that are fortunate enough to have it. As a source of happiness and comfort, one's health is incomparable to money or possessions.

In pursuing the ideal state of health, imams emphasised cleanliness and cautioned listeners to avoid substances and habits that can adversely affect the mind and body, such as alcohol and pork, drug and substance abuse, and smoking.

Healthy eating is also vital. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has taught his followers moderation, of eating when one is hungry and stopping just before one is about to get full. The stomach should be equally proportioned to take food, water and respiration.

On the scientific front, experts have recommended lower intakes of fat, sugar and salt in food and drinks, while eating in accordance to the needs of one's activities for the day. In addition, exercise is also an important factor in keeping healthy. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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