The Root Cause

Happy Friday! It's a strange day this "Friday." When we're young, its the day we all look forward to. Friday night was a time to go out and have fun, party time! No way would I stay home on a FRIDAY night. Are you crazy? Now I am totally crazy. I love staying home on a Friday night and saving my energy for the weekend. It comes with "age" my colleagues tell me.

Tonight's blog photograph is one that does me totally no good. I must say it's definitely not one of my better portraits, but hey, that's life right? We have days when we feel and look good, and miserable days when we just want to hide away from everyone. (I can't believe I'm actually posting this for the public to see. I must indeed be crazy.)

This photo was one I took of myself during my recent visit to Siriraj Hospital. After having had a flu a few months ago, my throat had not healed. For the past two months, I've had a sore throat and ears that made me feel like I'm forever swimming. (I usually avoid going to see the doctor unless it's really necessary)

The doctor, who is a specialist in the Ear, Eyes, Nose and Throat decided it was time for a thorough check up. A camera was to be stuck down my throat! Yes. A camera.

Before that could happen though, they had to anesthetize my throat and my nose. It felt weird. I felt like I had snuffed in something I shouldn't. Then I was left to sit with these sticks hanging out my nose. Not exactly my most beautiful moment.

It was helped by the fact that a little girl next to me was going through the same experience and seemed to find it extremely amusing. There is something funny about having sticks up your nose. Try it one day.

The doctor I found to be even more amusing. As he stuck the camera through my ears, up my nose and down my throat, he insisted on having me look at the screen and explaining all that I was seeing! Much like when you visit a dentist who engages you in conversation whilst you have your mouth wide-open. All you can reply is a few "ahs" and "hms" and a nod of your head. It always bewilders me. Although it's indeed educational to see everything, doctors somehow fail to understand that it's painful for the patient. Ah Doctors, you really got to love them. :)

Looking back now, it's good I went through it. Now I know I have a swollen throat. :) It's always better to fix the problem at the root cause than fix the symptoms.
The same goes for everything. If you can't fix the root cause of the problem, then you won't be able to get the desired outcome. No matter how painful the process, the cause must be found and dealt with. The problem must be fixed. So if you have a problem, search and dig for the root cause. Don't just take the easy way out and fix the symptoms with a few quick fixes. The problem will never disappear.

If you are overweight, don't just take a quick "fad" diet and lose a few kilos. If you don't change your lifestyle, your eating habits, the weight will just come back as quickly as it went off. Eat healthy, exercise, and live an active lifestyle. You'll stay healthy for the rest of your life! :)

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