Good Health is Hard to Find

Been going through all of my writing that I can find to post it all up here. Working on shows kept me from writing a lot this past year.

Marissa Galin

Sample Section

Philosophy Paper

Good Health is Hard to Find

“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

~World Health Organization, 1948

I believe that keeping good health is very important, and should not be taken for granted. Throughout my life I have had countless doctors visits, when I visit my pediatrician my file got to be so big that the office needed to start another. I also have had my fair share of hospital visits just this year; admitted three times in two weeks with two emergency room visits, all because of my gall bladder. Once I got that little bugger out, it all went downhill from there. Since I have visited many doctors seeking an answer of what is wrong with me. The more and more we search, the farther we get from a solution yet grow vastly in the possibilities. Having to go to the doctor a couple times a month becomes extremely depressing—and even a little scary.

Since I was a child I had many doctors’ visits. I was diagnosed with strep throat more times than I could count. Even just last year I had walking pneumonia three times in six months. I have horrible allergies; I’m practically allergic to the entire state of Arizona. I have asthma. I been diagnosed with multiple stomach problems, and the diagnostic tests just keep on coming.

I truly believe in doctors and the work that they do, and I don’t appreciate when people neglect to take care of themselves because they’re afraid, ignorant, or just naive enough to think they don’t need doctors. Even just an annual checkup is important and can help keep someone healthy and even save their life. Going to the doctor once a year is hardly a blip in the timeline of life; but the simple trip is essential to keeping yourself from pushing daisies. If it weren’t for an annual check-up, my father never may have found the rare form of leukemia multiplying inside of him. He may never have gone through chemotherapy, or even have found it in time. You can never put things off, life is too important and it’s too risky to wait, even just a day.

A friend of my father’s just died this weekend. He was 29, a father of three. Very sudden. Two weeks prior he only complained of fatigue. This past week he complained of a headache, and ended up in the emergency room with a bloody nose that wouldn’t stop. He then suffered a stroke, and after only a short while they discovered a rare form of leukemia. He discussed chemotherapy briefly with my dad, asking for advice and about my dad’s experience. Later that night he suffered from a series of three more strokes; put on life support, and later the next day passed away. All of this, no warning, no chance to help him.

After experiences like these, how can someone not be more aware and worried about their health? I have developed a great trust and respect for all of my doctors—they work not for the paycheck but because they truly want to help people. They have helped me to become more physically active; making me realize how important exercise and a proper diet is to staying healthy. I believe that if you are not medically healthy it is proven that you will not be mentally, physically nor spiritually healthy. Doctors do what they do because they care about the well being of their patients, and no matter who you are it is important to visit at least one doctor once a year. It is also important to help yourself by staying in check and doing things that make you feel good. Don’t compromise your health and well being just to look or feel cool. Take care of your body and your person, your health is one of the most important assets you have. This I believe.

“I’ve Always Got My Health”

By: Bette Midler

I'm always a flop at a top-notch affair,
but I've still got my health, so what do I care?
My best ring, alas, is a glass solitaire,
but I still got my health, so what do I care?

By fashion and foppery, I'm never discussed.
Attending the opry, my box would be a bust.
I never shall have that Park Avenue aire,
but I'm in such health, why should I care?

The hip that I shake doesn't make people stare,
but I got such health, what do I care?
The sight of my props never stops a thoroughfare,
but I still got my health, so what do I care?

Your face is your fortune, so some wise men spoke.
My face is my fortune, that's why I'm totally broke.
My ship ain't come in, but I grin while I bear,
'cause I got my vitamins:
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H
I still have my.
Got no diamonds, got no wealth.
I got no men, but I got my health.