Final answer:
While 'Prevention is better than cure' explains the value of stopping diseases before they start, it also applies to lifestyle choices that can prevent noninfectious diseases. Non-traditional games like lacrosse, prescribed by Native Americans for healing, may offer benefits, and playing games can be a way to encourage physical activity in our sedentary society. However, the implementation should be safe and well-understood.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prevention is better than cure is a fundamental concept in medical sciences, emphasizing the importance of prophylactic measures to avoid diseases. Examples include immunizations and hygienic practices that help prevent the spread of infectious diseases. With regard to non-traditional games, it is worth considering the risks and benefits these activities offer. For example, the Native Americans prescribed lacrosse as a means to cure disease, possibly because physical activity and community involvement could have positive effects on the well-being of the sick. However, today, we often see a reduction in unstructured play and recess time in schools, which can negatively impact children's development and stress levels.
In the discussion of lifestyle choices and their impact on health, it is clear that many noninfectious diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and type 2 diabetes, are preventable through behavior modification. This includes avoiding smoking, engaging in regular physical activity, and following healthy dietary habits. Society's shift towards a less active lifestyle and the consumption of fast and unhealthy meals are significant factors contributing to the higher rates of these diseases.
It is essential to weigh the potential cognitive benefits of playing non-traditional games against the risks involved. In a world with increasingly sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy dietary choices, promoting physical activity through any medium, including games, could be beneficial for improving public health. Therefore, recommending non-traditional games might still be valuable provided that the activities are implemented safely and the benefits are clearly understood.