Family is an important social institution that influences all aspects of an individual’s life. Notably, family life has significant effects on health, including mental, physical, and social wellbeing. The family’s relationship, financial status, and the type of food they take are essential factors that impact people’s health. Furthermore, family structure and the stability of relationships can positively or negatively affect a person’s health (Hank & Steinbach, 2018). For instance, married couples with a strong bond between themselves and their children have better health. The love in the family improves members’ mental well-being, as emotional stability can minimize the possibility of suffering from stress (Hank & Steinbach, 2018). They can also engage in physical activities, and healthy diets to form and maintain social relationships. Conversely, separated or divorced couples and their children are vulnerable to psychological disorders and other health problems.
A family’s financial status is vital since it determines the type of health services one seeks, accessibility to healthcare, and nutrition. Financially stable families can afford preventive care, expensive interventions, and nutritious food (Friedline et al., 2020). Additionally, they engage in different leisure activities that enhance their mental, physical, and social well-being. On the contrary, a family’s financial instability negatively impacts members’ health because of limited resources. For instance, low-income families are vulnerable to stress, nutrition-related health conditions, and preventable illness.
The nutritional value of food taken by families has a significant influence on their health. For example, families that take unbalanced diets that comprise more carbohydrates; have increased risks for obesity and other related health conditions. Equally, living in a family with a habit of eating more frequently can contribute to overweight and cardiovascular diseases. Conversely, families that observe a balanced diet minimize the chances for their members suffering from the mentioned illness.
References
Friedline, T., Chen, Z., & Morrow, S. (2020). Families’ financial stress & well-being: The importance of the economy and economic environments. Journal of Family and Economic Issues, 1-18. Web.
Hank, K., & Steinbach, A. (2018). Families and health: A review. In G. Doblhammer & J. GumĂ , (Eds). A demographic perspective on gender, family and health in Europe. (pp. 23-39). Springer.