With busy lives made even busier by the holidays, it’s all too easy to put aside one’s health and just “power through” whatever aches and pains that may come. That cold? Probably just because of the onset of the amihan. That sinat? Nothing a little nap can’t fix. That headache? Ah, it’s normal considering the stress of the holiday rush.
You probably don’t need a checkup, right? Probably. But for now, there’s another kind of checkup that can help.
When friends or family take for granted their health, it’s time to check-in on them. Too often, friends and family tend to brush off that dull, persistent headache or dismiss that sluggish feeling and sinat to a passing inconvenience, unaware that it might be time for some help. Especially during these times, people have to be keenly aware of their health and take seriously any minor changes before these start turning into a major concern.
Close circles—comprising family and friends—are the first line of care. They are the ones who are most often in touch with one another, either through daily routine or social contact.
Keeping in touch, no matter how brief the interaction, is important in keeping each other safe and healthy. Never mind if it’s borderline kulit or stalker-level inquisition, checking in on one another isn’t being intrusive, it’s being maalaga.
When you check in to see how friends and family are doing, it reminds them to also see how the other people in their own circles are doing. This creates a “ripple of care” that just goes on and on and benefits more people down the line.
It can be as simple as checking in on a family member who seems to be less active than usual. It can be as quick as sending a two-word DM to a friend who hasn’t posted anything on their social media for a while.
A quick phone call to ask something totally trivial - like the name of that a former classmate or the address of that hole-in-the-wall restaurant—can be an opportunity to ask if a friend is alright, or if they need anything.
In addition to dropping a quick line or a quick knock on the door to check up on people, it’s also important to be prepared. Have the number of a doctor ready, just in case. Or be ready to patch them through to a medical teleconsult in case they are less inclined to go out and see the doctor. And while waiting for that consult, be ready to offer some relief by having a doctor-recommended medicine such as Biogesic on hand, a trusted brand by Filipino families to provide relief from headache and fever. It’s one way of showing your care.
Kaya #IpadamaAngAlaga! Don’t think twice about checking in on one another. It’s one clear sign that you really care.