Although we have no good definition of 'health', all people have their
own ideas of whether they are healthy or not. Based on personal
experience and knowledge each person comes to accept that within
themselves there is a normal range of feelings and performance,
departure from which could be considered abnormal or unhealthy. Despite
the many amazing technological advances made over recent decades it
cannot be said that access to advanced medical care is the main
determining factor in the healthiness or otherwise of a society. Even in
these modern times most diseases and health problems are non-curable in
the strict sense, and the scope for effective prevention of disease is
more limited than some enthusiasts suggest. Individuals must appreciate
the limitations of modern medical care and, while seeking to use the
care available to best possible effect, accept that the responsibility
for trying to prevent major disease rests in their own hands. In this
book we have tried to present a balanced and realistic picture of the
many factors that must be taken into account if optimum disease
prevention and health maintenance are to be achieved. The health of your
family is your responsibility. An understanding of what can go wrong,
how it can be prevented or how it can best be coped with can only be
helpful to you.