13. Health Service in this country

The public health services in this country embrace the entire population and are financed by the state budget. The patient pays nothing for treatment. Medical centres provide service free of charge. There are of course, private practitioners who charge a fee for visits. Besides if a patient is not satisfied with the service his local outpatients’ clinic can offer he can turn for more expert help to a clinic or a hospital where more sophisticated treatment is available. In the latter case he is supposed to pay the appointed fee. Of late there’s been a growing tendency to develop insurance health service so that nowadays quite a few insurance medical companies have been set up. They provide all the necessary medical help on condition you’ve paid the insurance policy. The medical care is exercised by the network of clinics (polyclinics), dispensaries, hospitals, maternity homes and children dispensaries. All military units have infirmaries attached.

Periodical medical examinations are practised since a through medical check up helps to nip a disease in the bud before it has taken root. As is in full justice said «An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure»

The all-out effort against epidemics deserves special mention. Such diseases as the plague, cholera, small-pox, malaria and many others have been stamped out.

However, gross deterioration of the social and economic situation in this country brought about by outrageous political aberrations has resulted in the outbreak of a great many contagious diseases. TB, diphtheria, anthrax considered stamped out until recently, have come flooding back and have to be combated with all might and main .

14. Health and fitness

The late President Kennedy once said: «The Future belongs to the fit.» This statement is very true. A strong and healthy body is essential to good work and a healthy way of life. Quoting wise Romans: «Ment sana in corpora sana». Weak muscles, round shoulders, sagging stomachs, tired legs and feet - these are unhealthy signs of unhealthy body and soul, for «Body is the temple of soul». Many people eat too much and exercise too little. They feel tired and heavy. They look older than they really are and often feel depressed. Many other people are thin and nervous. They eat the wrong kinds of food and burn up a lot energy because of nervous tension. They, too, often feel tired and depressed. What is the solution for such people?

Exercise is vital to good health. A walk around the block or to the corner for a pack of cigarettes is not much exercise. Swimming, tennis, basketball and soccer are good examples of sports which use all the muscles in the body. The muscles are tightened; the heart beats faster and circulates the blood through the body; breathing and co-ordination improve. Furthermore, these sports are enjoyable and relaxing.

For many people, a gym is an excellent place to lose weight, improve posture and tighten muscles. Both men and women can improve their bodies in a gym. Sit-ups, push-ups and other stretching and pulling exercises strengthen the neck, shoulders, back, arms and abdomen.

Men lift weights of from five to two hundred pounds to build up their shoulders, arms and chest. They also work on horizontal and parallel bars and stationary bicycles. Some men squeeze hard rubber balls to strengthen their fingers and wrists.

Rhythmic movements and modern dance are excellent for women. They help reduce their waistlines, hips and thighs; build up calf muscles and develop strong arches. Women learn to stand up straight and move more gracefully.

After a couple of hours of vigorous physical activity, a half hour in the steam room or sauna bath and, perhaps, a massage are beneficial. Then, a well-balanced dinner and a good night’s sleep... Take care of your body and it’ll pay you back: your health will improve, you’ll look and feel better to be universally welcome.