World day of the sick was initiated by Pope John Paul 2 on February 11 1992 to encourage people to pray for those suffering from illnesses and their caregivers. The Pope himself suffered from Parkinsonism. February 11 is also the catholic feast of our Lady of Lourdes in honor of the apparition of the Virgin Mary seen on this day at Lourdes, France by a young girl Bernadette Soubirous who was canonized a saint several years later. Poe Benedict 16 citing failing health, resigned as Pope on this day in 2013.
Right from the time a person is admitted in a hospital, so many people directly or indirectly are involved in his / her treatment besides the doctors like nurses, pharmacists, ward boys, servants, catering and administrative staff etc. We have to pray for all of them besides the patients.
Children are exposed to so many illnesses like chicken pox, diarrhoea, vomitting, fever, mumps, measles, rubella, ear infections, food allergies etc.
As we grow older other illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders , eye problems like cataract and glaucoma, Alzheimer’s and memory loss, anxiety disorders and depression, asthma, arthritis, fatigue and low energy, foot problems, cancers, back pain, digestive disorders ,menopause, breast problems ,prostrate etc. take over.
The World Health Organization defines Health as the ‘’A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity’’. From this it is obvious that the preventive element is also very important in having good health. One cannot expect only the doctor or medical personnel to be responsible for maintaining good health when you do not do your bit like proper diet ,exercise, avoiding smoking and drinking, adequate rest, taking proper medication and in the recommended dosage when sick, following up with the doctor when asked to etc.
The spiritual element which I have touched on in my last article also plays an important role. The priest and the family physician can work together in this respect. Both have rather thankless professions. Many people remember the priest only when they want him to pray over them in case of family problems, counseling, peace maker role etc. etc. Retreats are become shopping bags to demand various requests from God rather than thanks giving, praying for the marginalized and less fortunate etc. A mother once talking to a Redemptorists priest was telling him how her children always pray before any important event like exams, sports or musical event etc. to do well. As she was going on and on the good priest interrupted her saying’’ Don’t think God is a petrol pump!! Have you ever thanked God instead of only placing requests from him?
The family physician, priest , dietician etc. all can contribute in creating awareness of preventing diseases which is very important Also in the curative part which involves spiritual acts like confession etc. counseling and mood elevation techniques like music ,drama etc. A unique hospital in Scotland has the doctors doubling up as musicians and playing instruments by their bedside to elevate their mood and accelerate the healing process!!!
Spare a thought and pray for all those suffering from illnesses and their caregivers and all involved in the treatment process.
Dr Edgar Menezes