The Legacy of Beliefs: Healthcare Decisions Rooted in Tradition

By: Stephanie Lapré

My Lola, at the thriving age of 96, is a living testament to the resilience and wisdom of traditional healthcare practices. Born and raised in the Philippines, her beliefs and practices have not just been a personal regimen but a familial legacy that has shaped my approach to health and well-being. This story isn't just mine; it's a narrative shared by countless others, whose healthcare decisions are deeply intertwined with their belief systems.

The Power of Tradition

When we were little, fresh from our baths, my brother and I would line up, shivering slightly in the cool air. "Para hindi kayo ginawin, so you don’t get cold." My Lola would pat us with baby powder, her voice firm but coated with care. In my Lola’s house, prevention was always better than cure, and baby powder was more than a soothing agent; it was a shield against illness. For my Lola, prevention was the first promise of health, and that fine, fragrant powder was our armor against invisible threats.

When a cold managed to sneak past her powder barrier, out would come the Vicks VapoRub. The smell alone told us we were in for a night of healing. My Lola's hands, telling their own story of life and survival, would gently work the ointment into our chests. Every rub and pat was not just about soothing a cough; it was her way of pushing the sickness away, of wrapping us in layers of love and care.

My Lola's reluctance to use antibiotics was not just a preference or about being stubborn; it was about trust. She stuck to what she knew, to the traditions that had stood the test of time. To her, these home remedies were more than just habits; they were a belief, a way of seeing health not just as avoiding sickness, but as living in harmony with the world around us.

The Intersection of Belief and Modern Medicine

In modern US medicine, where evidence-based practice is the cornerstone, the interplay between personal belief systems and healthcare decisions is profound. Questions like "Should I vaccinate my child?", "Is alternative medicine effective?", and "Do I need this surgery?" aren't just medical inquiries; they are deeply personal dilemmas, often influenced by cultural, spiritual, and familial beliefs.

Understanding this intersection is crucial. It's about respecting diversity in healthcare practices and recognizing that personal beliefs and cultural practices play a significant role in health outcomes. It's about healthcare professionals not just asking "What's wrong?" but also "What's your story?" It's about finding a middle ground where modern medicine respects and acknowledges the legacy of traditional practices.

Reflections

As I reflect on my Lola's practices, I realize they were more than health measures; they were a form of love, a way of preserving a lineage, and a narrative that shaped my understanding of health and well-being. In telling this story, I invite readers to reflect on their healthcare decisions, understand the roots of their beliefs, and appreciate the complexity of the healthcare landscape, one where tradition and modernity coexist, sometimes clash, but always contribute to the larger narrative of health and healing.

Contact The Lapré Group today to discover how our care management services can support and enhance your healthcare journey, empowering you towards a healthier, more fulfilled life.

www.thelapregroup.org