Neglecting Health?

[FAH]

My examination of conscience asks ‘Have I neglected my health?’ What would that really mean?

For example if you have a skin condition and do something to aggravate it is that sinful?

Or if you fear you have cancer and don’t do anything about it will that be a sin?

Or does it just mean watching what you eat, or how much you drink?

Any answers would be appreciated.

FAH

 

[nahbios]

Well, you may know how Blessed Pope John Paul II was known in his early years as “the Keep-Fit Pope”! It’s good to keep your body in good condition, but not to obsess over it or allow for vanity. Watching what you eat and drink would be a part of that - but, again, one mustn’t obsess over it or place it above one’s obedience to God. The two should sit comfortably together.

I think that going to the doctor if one feels poorly or if they suspect a serious illness is, indeed, a duty for us as Catholics. As for your skin condition example, I think it would be wise not to aggravate such a thing if it could get serious. I don’t have a Church quote to confirm either of these, but I hope someone else can provide you with what’s needed.

 

[jessiepie]

Remember your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and should be treated as such.

 

[Aelred_Minor]

It seems to me that aggravating a skin condition or worse ignoring a possible cancer are far more negligent to one’s health than simply not watching what you eat.

 

[petitfleur]

I consider going for regular checkups part of this. For me I also consider watching what I eat as this. I don’t know if it’s a grave sin but an example is this.I am fifty pounds overweight, besides the whole self image problem, I find I don’t have the energy to do the things I need to do. I can be lazy around the house and disciplining my kidsbecuase I feel tired and drained all the time. When I “diet” I obsess about food and what I am going to eat or not eat.
It is really important to me to eat three healthy meals, drink water and get some exercise daily all without obsessing about it. I feel better and more energetic this way and am a lot more energetic and productive when I do this. I also am in a lot better mood.
Some people don’t struggle the way I do and perhaps don’t need to watch what they eat… For me it’s something I am aware of.