There are stories that feed the fantasy of genetic invincibility that rehashes family fables for everyone to hear saying, “After all, we are a family of good stock and illness has never been a concern to us, so we can live and eat as we please”.
However, newer studies are indicative that when it comes to longevity, genes of the sturdy kind contribute only twenty percent of our total well being.
The other eighty percent is about choices one makes from the kind of food, work, activity, to social milieu. While it is good to be blessed with a robust health and a strong heart (no congenital defect or predisposition of high cholesterol which clog the arteries), that person still needs to take care of himself with regular exercise and right food.
This does not mean that even if one’s parents died a centenarian, it is still no reason that you take care your health to be taken for granted.
Health apathy is a kind of fatalism which can be defined as an indifference to bodily signs and symptoms that one feels out of neglect or signs of illness.
Worrisome symptoms such as pain that does not go away, trouble seeing and hearing, frequent or painful urination, bloody stool or any change of bowel movement, chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitation, cold or sweaty hands, nausea, creaking joints, worsening headaches are just among the symptoms that one has to sort out and not to be taken them lightly without seeking medical help for proper diagnosis.
Avoiding the doctor which American have a favorite expression, “If ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. Unfortunately, all along has been applied indiscriminately to the extent of jeopardizing the well being of the person concern.
The trouble of the physical body is that it will breakdown so easily if not attended to immediately which can obviously aggravates discomfort, sickness, infection and later on, complication if it is not diagnosed and treated promptly.
Moreover, there are four easy ways to be responsive and be a health conscious person you can be. Firstly, review your personal and family history. What are your recurring illnesses or has there been a major hospitalizations?
Secondly, see your doctor. Thirdly, check your immunization records. Are they complete or still valid? Have you had a tetanus booster shot? There are immunizations for hepatitis, pneumonia, influenza, etc..
Finally, make the most of the doctors visit by asking questions no matter how basic it is.
Family myths of genetic invincibility may be hard to dispel, especially of the superhuman nature. Though that it’s true that everyone loves a fabulous story, there is no reason, however to believe tall tales especially when it comes to health.
