Health, they say, is wealth. Indeed, it is.
I have been feeling under the weather lately, suffering from body aches and headaches and it seems that the Paracetamol pills I’m taking are not effective at all.
I’ve been sick probably because of the hot and humid weather.
For days, I have been debating with myself whether to consult my regular medical practitioner or not.
My doctor is good but I don’t want to become too dependent on him and run to him whenever I’m sick.
I want my body to get used to fighting germs and recover naturally.
But alas, so much for my resolution.
Yesterday morning, I was so bothered by the body aches that I decided to see the doctor.
However, the clinic was already closed by the time I got there.
So I had no choice but to pop over at one of the pharmacies in Tabuan Jaya.
At the entrance of the pharmacy sat a big-sized friendly man with a loud voice.
I assumed he was one of the bosses.
With some prompting from him, I shared my problem with him.
He asked me whether I wanted paracetamol pills.
I replied, “No. I have been taking them for a while now.”
Then, he recommended pontalon tablets to me.
“They are akin to aspirin and stronger than paracetamol,” he explained.
When I told him I also had diarrhoea, he prescribed some beamotil tablets and oral rehydration salts.
As he spoke, without moving from his chair at the entrance of the pharmacy, a girl who stood nearby took notes of the tablets he prescribed.
I later learnt that he was a pharmacist at the outlet. True to my profession, I also learnt his name.
My experience at the pharmacy was interesting. It was the first time I was ever given such a warm welcome at a pharmacy.
When it was time for me to pay for the medicine, I was pleasantly surprised by the affordable prices.
The pharmacist had, earlier, assured me he always thought of his customers.
Indeed, he kept his promise.
I am now taking the medicines I bought diligently.
I hope I will recover soon so that I can walk with a spring again.
If I don’t, I will definitely consult my doctor.
It seems that a virus is going around my workplace.
A few of my colleagues have been taking sick leave, one after another.
I have been sick but not so sick that I cannot turn up for work.
“Take coconut water from fresh coconuts,” advised my younger sister, Ah Lan.
So, I promptly bought a can of coconut water from a supermarket the day before.
“No, not coconut water from a can,” said Ah Lan.
For revenge yesterday, I bought a packet of fresh coconut water from a fruit stall and also ordered one whole coconut as I ate lunch at a food stall.
As I walked back to my car, I found the different smells of food emanating from the food stalls along the route nauseating.
Later, I found out that when a person became sick, particularly with a cold or flu, he or she could become more sensitive to smells.
Believe me, my friends, being sick is no fun.
The physical discomfort I have been experiencing includes symptoms like fever.
I also feel fatigued and less hungry than usual.
I am thankful that I live in the heart of Kuching City where doctors and pharmacies abound and medical help is near at hand.
In some parts of rural Sarawak, going to a doctor may entail hours of travelling either by boat or on foot. That is why it is important for the Ministry of Health to build new clinics and upgrade existing health facilities in the rural areas of the state.
Being sick has made me appreciate my good health on normal days.
Yes, my friends, don’t take our health for granted.
We must always prioritise our health and well-being so that we can continue doing the things we like and enjoy life.
Get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, manage stress and stay hydrated.
Remember health is wealth.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune.
