It is said that health is wealth, and certainly no other asset will let you enjoy your life to the fullest and be the best that you can be. To truly reap the rewards of vibrant health, you need to start by cultivating positive habits at home. One such practice includes being proactive in looking after your family members’ wellness. Here are some ways you can check to make sure your family is healthy and happy.
Understand Your Family’s Medical History
Knowledge is power when it comes to health. Your family’s medical history can give you a wealth of information on the kind of health issues you need to look out for. Being aware of these issues can help you be more proactive rather than reactive in your approach to health.
For example, if your side of the family has a genetic predisposition to develop diabetes, then you can make adjustments to your lifestyle to prevent this disease. Interview your relatives on both sides of the family so you can have a deeper understanding of any illnesses that are common among your relatives. Review past medical records, and consult with your physician on what dietary or lifestyle changes you can make to prevent these illnesses.
Always Be Observant
If you are a parent, then you must be extravigilant about your child’s health. Young children usually can’t tell if something is off about their health, so it’s up to you observe any changes in their physical appearance, energy level, eating habits, and sleeping schedule and take the necessary precautions.
In addition to symptoms of illnesses, you must also be on the lookout for potential substance use in your home. Substance addiction is a serious mental health problem, and teenagers are known to experiment with drugs and alcohol. In fact, 50 percent of teens report misusing drugs at least once in their life according to a study by the US Department of Health and Human Services.
If you suspect your child might be abusing drugs, you can administer home drug test kits. There are several available for specific substances commonly used by teenagers such as marijuana test kits and MDMA test kits.
Keep Communication Honest at Home
Health in the family is a collaborative effort. You can’t expect to do all the work for every member of your family, so you will need them to be open with you if they are experiencing any health issues. Promote an atmosphere of trust in your home by keeping communication honest and open.
Remember that health is not just about your physical state but also your mental and emotional well-being. You and your loved ones need to give one another solid support during difficult life moments. Eating meals together as a family is a small but significant step in helping you all bond. During these communal moments, you can check in on one another and better see if anyone needs any help.
Keep Medical Records in One Place
You and your family should already have an idea about your basic medical information such as blood type, maintenance or prescription medication regularly taken, allergens, previous surgical procedures undertaken, blood pressure information, and dental care.
Of course, you don’t have to memorize all of these details. Writing them down and keeping them in one place can make it so much easier in case of emergencies. Another more efficient idea would be to digitize your records by taking photos or scanning prescriptions and diagnostic results so you’ll have a permanent record of them.
Health should not be about treating diseases but instead building a way of life that is balanced, positive, and fulfilling. These tips may be simple, but they are a great first step in helping you become more proactive in the way you handle health at home.
Amanda