Study reveals Brits more concerned about their family’s health than their own

67 per cent of Brits are more concerned about their family’s health than their own, according to a new study.

A survey of over 2,000 UK adults by medical ID charity MedicAlert showed a breakdown in priorities for selfless Brits, who were more likely to put their children’s (23 per cent), parents (22 per cent), siblings (14 per cent) and grandparents (8 per cent) health first.

Not open and honest

Despite the heartwarming nature of the statistics, they also reflect a worrying trend amongst adults. Only 32 per cent of people with a medical condition feel they can be open and honest about it with others.

Kirsten Giles, CEO at MedicAlert, said, “It’s wonderful to see so many people putting the health of their loved ones first, but it’s also crucial that everyone practices self-care, taking control of their own health.”

MedicAlert are a charity that provide medical ID services in the UK.

Nearly one in five (19 per cent) of those polled would advise a family member to seek medical attention but would not do so themselves.

The research sought to find out why people with specific medical conditions or carers were not seeking to put their own health first.

27 per cent said they were worried to talk about a new or pre-existing condition they have.

Perhaps the British stiff-upper lip remains amongst some adults, with one in four of those surveyed saying it makes them feel “stressed” and the same number saying it makes them feel “uncomfortable” to talk about their medical conditions.

Giles went onto say that, “By not confronting our health issues head on, it actually causes further worry for our loved ones.”