Health, Above All
In my 20s, I learned that health doesn't come as a priority if you struggle (or have struggled) financially.
I can't say I'm rich, I can't say I'm from poverty either - but my parents are. What that meant was you'd only go to medical professionals if it's a life threatening case, otherwise, boiled leaves will do the trick. I wish I could say I was kidding.
My family is heavy into herbal medicine, and I believe it's a common trait of Filipino families, too. If I have a cough, you'll never find me buying cough medicine, my mom would boil lagundi, and she expects me to drink all of it until my phlegm is gone.
When I had fever for a week, my dad boiled oregano leaves and had me drink it with orange juice. The bitter scent of oregano haunted me till adulthood, and it wasn't till I tasted what oregano flakes do to carbonara have I gone over my trauma (that happened last year.)
Almost 5 years ago, when I got dengue, I almost fainted in the hospital lounge, and my dad still won't admit me. I was furious. He was stern about herbal medicine and how I don't even need to pay a cent to the hospital, I can just drink tawa-tawa tea until, I heal. Of course, I didn't agree. I had a healthcard, so I used it. Even when I got admitted, my mom and dad boiled me tea from papaya leaves and had me drink half a cup every meal. It was nasty as shit.
I never doubted the power of nature, and for families who cannot afford to seek medical attention, herbal medicine is a source of comfort.
Sometimes, I wish my parents had been more aware. Now that I've been diagnosed with periodontitis, I wished I had prioritised my dental health more when I was younger.
I didn't visit the dentist much when I was kid. The first time I've ever gone to the dentist was in high school when I had my braces. Unfortunately, I didn't get to take care of it as much as I should have. Now, I'm not even in my 40s yet, but my gums are receeding exponentially, and it's affecting my health.
I knew how to take care of my teeth. I brushed every day. I floss most days. I use a mouth rinse. However, seeking a professional wasn't something I thought was important so I just let it go. Even when I had my braces, I just let it be.
I still have all my teeth. My molars are wobbly however, and all of my teeth are sensitive because their roots are exposed. I don't know if I can still avail medical intervention. I do hope I can. I can save up for it.
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