Reviewed by Sonali Nagar

“Prevention is better than cure” has never been more true than the times we live in. Our lifestyles significantly affect our health, which is a major concern for almost every individual, especially after the COVID pandemic.The difficulties faced during COVID have left a big imprint on everyone’s life and made us realise the importance of good health and most importantly, preventive measures.

Many diseases are attributed to sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, stress,unhygienic conditions, and lack of awareness. Besides negatively impacting our general well-being, these diseases also affect us socially, economically and psychologically.

By focusing on preventive measures, the book “Preventive Health Mantra” authored by Parul R. Sheth, a renowned Mumbai-based freelance science writer and a practising physician herself, emphasises how to reduce the chance of developing chronic& common illnesses and achieve a healthy lifestyle by following certain preventive measures.

The first chapter highlights the present status of various diseases and discusses the three strategies for disease prevention including self-prevention, screening for early detection and prevention. This chapter also mentions the Indian perspective and highlights the need to curb unexpected health expenses. Besides, the chapter also provides insights into various medicine systems at different times including Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Unani-Tibb, Chinese, etc. Mentioning the evolution of medicine, the chapter highlights the importance of preventive medicine that dates back to the 18th century and defines today’s modern preventive medicine as “the art and science of health promotion”.

The second chapter is all about “Disease Prevention” throwing light on diseases like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, tuberculosis, thyroid disorders, infections, respiratory tract infections, common skin infections, sexually transmitted diseases, urinary tract infections, tooth & gum infections, malaria, dengue & chikungunya, leptospirosis, viral hepatitis, gastroenteritis, typhoid fever & cholera, diarrhoea, common cold & cough, viral infections, covid-19, conjunctivitis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and depression. This chapter briefly describes the risk factors that increase the chance of developing these diseases and how certain preventive measures and timely check-ups, diagnosis & treatment can help in minimising or controlling these diseases. Also highlights how our behavioural risk factors like physical inactivity, stress, unhealthy diet, etc. contribute to these illnesses. It conveys animportant message that modifying the lifestyle, healthy diet, and self-monitoring are some of the keys to keeping yourself away from such diseases)…read more on NOPR