1
Comprehension: (86-90)
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
Good health is the soundness of body, mind and soul. It is that condition in which the body and mind duly discharge their functions. Good health helps everyone to be creative and work for the welfare of the society. He has to be, therefore, free from diseases: or, if he suffers from a disease he needs treatments not only for that particular disease but for the whole body, mind and soul. In other words, a doctor has to have a sound approach to the patients.
In these days of specialisation, doctors cure a patient only for his immediate disease, treating it in isolation. Such an approach goes against the old aphorism that ‘prevention is better than cure’. Dr. Hedge provides insight into the overall causes of simple and serious disease and describes the methods of preventing them without having to take medicine but exercising, self-control on food consumption, smoking and intake of alcoholic drinks. He also advocates regular yoga exercise and meditation to keep fit, but at the same time warns against over indulgence.
Hedge stresses the importance of laughter because laughter induces secretion of good catecholamine, which is a hormone produced by adrenal glands; they can be both beneficial and harmful. They are harmful when a person is angry, but beneficial if he laughs. For a healthy living, “Laughter proves to be great boon,” Hedge says.
In these days of hectic life, full of stress, strain and emotions, everyone needs to lead a relaxed life. The best form of relaxation, according to Hedge, is sound sleep. “Restful sleep at night will recharge our batteries for the following day’s fruitful endeavour,” he says. There is no\ use of lying on the bed and tossing without sleep. Under those circumstances it is better to read or engage oneself in some light mental activities which are useful. But never seek refuge in alcoholic drinks or pills for inducing sleep, as these are not refreshing for an individual. For a normal human being, eight hours of sleep a day is sufficient to keep him free from stress. More than nine to ten hours of sleep a day would produce increased muscle protein loss in the body and might even shorten one’s life.
Identify the tone of the passage.
