Family History- uncovering vulnerabilities:
I remember when I told my father that I was diagnosed with hypertension and high cholesterol. He responded to me, “Son, keep living, you’ll get diabetes too”. In his mind, because he had it and his parents had it, it was assumed that I would have it at some point too. It is part of our family history. However, the goal is to learn to break patterns in family history, which can include the family curse of illnesses that are promoted through poor health practices. For example, we generally eat the same foods that we were raised on. Henceforth, we have a similar diet to our parents. For many, even worse as the presence of processed and fast food, in larger portions, has become more present in the average diet. How many of us have parents who have struggled with hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol problems, yet we continue to eat in the same manner? Do you find yourself frequently eating fast food?
Understanding disease state
Most disease states are the result of a genetic predisposition put under the right circumstances, leading to symptoms, which can constitute a disease or disorder. This is particularly true for preventable diseases. Armed with the knowledge of today regarding health, you can break cycles of disease among your family through the elimination of contributing factors and implementation of mitigating behaviors. Through persistence and commitment, you can prevent those diseases from further defining your family history. Smoking, alcohol, and poor dietary choices contribute greatly to the bulk of preventable illnesses. Look for ways to eliminate, minimize, or mitigate these whenever possible
What runs in your family, and why?
Think about what health issues your parents for older siblings currently face. What are some of the contributing factors, such as diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices contribute to the current medical conditions? Do you engage in similar behaviors regarding food choices, physical activity, and lifestyle habits? Smoking, alcohol, poor dietary choices, and a sedentary lifestyle contribute greatly to the bulk of preventable illnesses. Look for ways to eliminate, minimize, or mitigate these factors whenever possible.
Minimize risks as much as possible
Abstinence in certain cases is the gold standard, yet not always obtainable or sustainable for many. Henceforth is important to recognize that cutting down on certain behaviors is still a step in the right direction. Focus on the improvement as opposed to beating yourself for still having some vulnerabilities. Accept that you were born with vulnerability and then take control of how you are going to manage it.
Prevention is key
What benefits may you get from making changes? That’s easy. At the very least, you could decrease your risk of having to deal with the same issues. The susceptibility is different for everyone as protective benefits may also be passed along genetically, and we are all creatures of threshold with certain levels of tolerability as well. However, be mindful that sometimes having an increased tolerance for a substance or behavior does not mean it is any less damaging to you. You may simply not be able to recognize or show signs until it becomes so significant that everybody can see it. Furthermore, many of the things that we’re discussing, especially concerning health, and typically silent until they reach a point of irreversibility. Think of the effects of cholesterol and hypertension were the first signs for some, maybe a stroke or heart attack. Whenever warning signs can be easily ignored, prevention is key.
Pass on the knowledge
Make sure you take the time to explain your family history to your children. Establish good health practices for your home and pass them along. Let them know about the susceptibilities and how to eliminate or, at the very least, minimize risks. This is also important with substance use, particularly amongst our teenagers and those on their way off to college. It may not stop them from exploring things. Lord knows it didn’t stop me. However, it may provide some insight into being more mindful of the potential of getting into trouble and repeating the wrong aspects of their family history.