Today I went to JB General Hospital.

The hospital is dilapidated beyond repair. Smokers are everywhere outside the buildings (read taxi drivers). Not an image that should be associated with a hospital.

In the urology unit, the doctors are overworked. One ward is shared by 4 doctors. I was astounded.

Small wooden tables. at least a decade old. Files everywhere. Simple. Only pen, papers, handphones and doc’s stamp on the each doctors table. The walls and ceiling can fall anytime. The doctors are young. 30s.

Fans.Only. Hot.

What’s worse, the people there. mostly old folks above 50. In pain. Helpless. Frustrated sons/daughters. Worried. Their face, a sea of hopelessness. I saw an old woman in a wheelchair. Her daughter (i assume) was feeding her water. She struggled to swallow the water, trembling all over. It was a terrible sight. It seemed to me that she is only living day by day to survive.

You can see none of the people are healthy. Not a tinge of health. To the nurses, it was another day at work. Nothing special.

To me, it was an unbearable sight.

Hospital is depressing.

Two important take aways:

1. Count your blessings. While you sulk and hate your life, there are people struggling to live day by day and some of them have no goals in their life, living for the sake of alive. Grades, love, money, success? Reality check. Appreciate life.

2. Eat properly and exercise. Many people complain they have certain diseases when middle age strikes. Who to blame but yourself. You overwork, eat those laksa and junk food, and sleep deprived. You reap what you sow. You put no effort into maintaining your health, there will be consequences. And people around you (that you care) will suffer emotionally and physically because of you. CAN YOU BEAR THAT RESPONSIBILITY?

Certain people say, this is my life, I live the way I want. That is NAIVE. You forgot your family who cares, your other half, your friends, faith, etc. You have a responsibility. Time to grow up and take responsibility for yourself and your life.

Sometimes illness struck despite every effort. but at least we tried to keep ourselves healthy. I believe it will pay off.

I want to close with this (modified story from Ziglar):
You have a pet dog you bought at a high price. Will you let him stayed up late at night and eat junk food? Heck, no! You will get the best vet and nutrition for him.
Will you let him drink beer and destroy his kidneys? Heck, no!
What about a $10 cat?

Same goes to your beloved daughter/son. You will not let him/her near smoke, drugs, beer, junk food, etc.
Now what about yourself?