Health promotion is the process of enabling people to gain control over and improve their health, so it connotes personal responsibility.
Health is a resource for life which enables people to lead individually, socially and economically productive lives. It allows the individual to function as a valuable member of society, hence the adage “health is wealth”. A healthy individual/couple is one that can truly live life to the fullest, and so we need to take all aspects of our health seriously, although this write-up focuses more on physical health. The home is the primary setting where health promotion and disease prevention occur.
Marriage is a life-long relationship. So, when we see young couples getting married today, they can be elderly grandparents “tomorrow”. In the course of life, they are likely to face some health challenges. No couple can predict with certainty what they will meet in the future regarding their health. Irrespective of whatever they meet, they should be there for one another till death do them part. In light of this, the scriptures say that two are better than one, and if one falls, the other can lift up (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). We pledged to this commitment in our marital vows, and we must stick to our spouses in sickness and health.
Health challenges in a spouse or child can be a significant source of stress to the family. If not well managed, it may result in weak, strained relationships and erode the joy of the couple/family. Families (not healthcare providers) are the primary caregivers for individuals with chronic illnesses. They are the ones who assist with most of the physical demands, and “caregiver burnout” may set in for the spouse on whose shoulders the burden of care lies.
It is good that each member of the family, especially the couple (parents) learn, adopt and model healthy lifestyles for their own good and that of their children too, because a family-oriented approach is one of the most efficient ways to promote health and prevent diseases.
In homes, family members could support each other in maintaining and improving their health in the following ways:
- Take cognizance of one’s family health history because risk factors for certain conditions run within families. Where there is a notable family health history, proactively seek professional inputs on preventative measures and lifestyle modifications.
- Ensure healthy eating habits with food rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low salt, sugar and saturated fats.
- Encourage/collectively engage in physical activity, e.g. exercises, sports, brisk walks and relaxation measures.
- Vaccination of children and adults against vaccine-preventable disease.
- Create a safe and supportive home environment. This will prevent falls (from wet/slippery floors) and other home injuries, including accidental ingestion of chemicals/drugs
- Periodic medical screening to enable early detection and prompt treatment of diseases. Where possible, maintain a healthy weight.
- Prayers and holding fast to God’s promises on health.
- Pre-marital counselling and testing for intending couples.
- Seek healthcare services from reliable and professional settings.
- As much as practicable, check herbal, essential oil and other ‘natural’ remedies with certified healthcare professionals.
- Avoid unhealthy habits, e.g. smoking and alcohol.
Family relationships can be positively or negatively affected by the health status of family members. Each family member should take responsibility for his/her health and be assured that s/he has the full support of his/her spouse (the entire family) if things go wrong. Family support remains the strongest pillar of physical, financial and emotional support in challenging times, so let’s build strong family ties.
However, what do you do when a family member is careless about his/her health and lifestyle? Raise concerns proactively and, if required, escalate and involve relevant persons. A sick person is a sick family; prevention is better and cheaper than treatment/cure.
Dr Bridget Omisore
© SELAH SERIES 2023
