About 6 years ago, Lam experienced a memorable illness with a high fever and clusters of blisters on her face and back. For various reasons, she didn't seek medical attention, opting instead to self-medicate with fever reducers.
At the end of March, she had to be hospitalized. "The doctor said I had the virus that causes shingles, and because I have a heart condition, I was at high risk for developing nerve damage," she said.
Speaking with VnExpress, she admitted that despite noticing some early signs, she had been complacent, leading to a more complicated illness.
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Health is a precious asset for every family. Photo: Shutterstock |
Health is a precious asset for every family. Photo: Shutterstock
After intensive treatment, she gradually recovered but felt her health had significantly declined. Seeing her three children worried sick, taking turns taking time off work to care for her in the hospital, she regretted her indifference to her illness. "Before, I was always work-obsessed, refusing to rest, despite my children's advice. It wasn't until I got sick that I realized how important health is," she added.
Usually preoccupied with taking care of her children's meals and well-being, and busy with work, Lam forgot to pay attention to her own health. After her illness, she realized that she also needed to be taken care of. She understood that her own well-being was a way of showing love to her family. Since then, whenever she has the opportunity, she advises friends and relatives to be proactive about their health and not to ignore even the smallest symptoms. "When I am healthy, my children and grandchildren can pursue their own lives with peace of mind," she added.
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Taking care of one's health is a meaningful gift for loved ones. Photo: Shutterstock |
Taking care of one's health is a meaningful gift for loved ones. Photo: Shutterstock
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the population aged 60 and over will increase from one billion in 2020 to about 1.4 billion in 2030, signaling a major public health challenge. Aging can lead to a gradual decline in physical and mental health, increasing the risk of illness, including chronic and preventable diseases.
Specifically, older adults often face osteoarthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, depression, or dementia. Statistics show that nearly two-thirds of people over 60 in Vietnam have chronic conditions, increasing their susceptibility to infections, including influenza and shingles. Therefore, proactively taking care of one's health is not only a way of loving oneself but also a meaningful gift for loved ones.
Love is about being together and being healthy. This is also the message GSK Vietnam wants to convey to the community through the "Sharing Love - Maintaining Health" campaign. For three decades, GSK Vietnam has continuously provided healthcare solutions for all stages of life, from prevention to treatment. With a mission to unite science, technology, and a team of experts, GSK aims to care for the health of more than one-third of Vietnam's population in the coming years.
Dong Ve
*Name has been changed
Content produced by VnExpress in collaboration with GSK Vietnam Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., with professional approval from the Vietnam Preventive Medicine Association, to raise public awareness.
