At the start of the new year, she mapped out plans for three areas: finances, health, and lifestyle. Health was highlighted with goals including: maintaining exercise routines, undergoing regular check-ups, and practicing disease prevention. Ngoc Anh explained that 2025 had been a challenging journey: a relative passed away from cancer, her husband had to change jobs due to staff reductions, and her 11-year-old eldest son faced important transfer exams. From mid-year, the family spent less time together, with weekend walks and picnics becoming infrequent. Each change of season brought illness to all three family members; although slight, coughs lingered for a week before subsiding.

"2025 was truly difficult, and I just hope 2026 will be easier for our entire family", she said.

Ngoc Anh's 2026 to-do list, with health goals circled. Photo: Van Ha

For 2026, she and her husband plan to reduce their gym time from three hours to one and a half hours per session, maintaining three sessions a week. This will be supplemented by short walks after each hour of computer work. When ill, they prioritize sleep and nutrition, focusing only on gentle breathing exercises.

For her son, she still requires at least one hour of physical activity daily, while also adjusting his diet: adding oily fish, eggs, cauliflower, and whole grains, and reducing pre-made foods.

She does not set a fixed schedule for her own health care but chooses weekly goals: walking to the market for one hour daily, two yoga sessions each week, an annual health check-up, and annual cervical cancer screening.

A new objective for 2026 is human papillomavirus (HPV) prevention and achieving a work-life balance. According to Ngoc Anh, this is not just a new goal but also a reminder of the losses from the previous year. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that causes warts in humans and is commonly transmitted sexually. Medical literature indicates that most HPV infections clear up on their own, but ongoing infection can lead to conditions such as genital warts, pre-cancers, and related cancers.

Family members playing and learning together, exploring science, HPV, and music. Illustration: Vecteezy

Many families are now adopting proactive habits to research health information, covering nutrition, physical activity, and preventive measures for infectious diseases. A 2025 Consumer Survey by PwC Viet Nam indicates that Vietnamese people are increasingly focused on health, with "health and quality of life" among their top priorities. Some studies reveal that for Vietnamese, "living healthy" means not just the absence of illness, but also the ability to "live independently, do meaningful things", and achieve balance in physical, mental, and financial well-being.

Similarly, Minh Chien, 47, from Ha Nam, spent one hour at the beginning of the year with his wife to agree on key household tasks: renovating the bathroom, buying a new bookshelf for their 9-year-old daughter, enrolling their 13-year-old son in extra language classes, and maintaining the health of the entire family.

However, the couple has not yet agreed on how to prevent illness for their children. His wife wants to establish a habit of waking up early for exercise, while he hopes their children will get more sleep and playtime. Minh Chien believes that good habits should be built gradually and sustained long-term, without rushing, to avoid disrupting family routines and causing stress for the children.

"Both children are in their formative years, so we shouldn't be too rigid. I've persuaded my wife to have them undergo regular health check-ups and follow preventive guidelines first", he said.

In 2026, the couple plans to have more conversations with doctors alongside their children, discussing sexual health openly. Minh Chien views this as a way to minimize potential risks and equip his children with accurate knowledge, helping them avoid apprehension when discussing sexually transmitted agents, including human papillomavirus.

Additionally, they aim to take their children to more historical sites. This will help the children expand their knowledge while also promoting physical activity. It also creates opportunities for them to discuss healthy lifestyles and how to maintain health during each journey.

"I want my children to understand that health is not just an adult matter, but a responsibility for the entire family", Minh Chien said.

Van Ha

*Names of individuals have been changed.

Individual actions are essential to raise preventive awareness within the community for "A Vietnam free from the burden of human papillomavirus". Consult a health expert immediately and learn more about human papillomavirus at hpv.vn.