Understanding the Phenomenon of "Couple Similarity" and Its Linked Health Risks
The concept of "couple similarity" serves as a significant compliment to loving spouses. Long-term cohabitation leads couples to influence each other in numerous ways, including shared hobbies, lifestyle habits, and even emotional states. This osmosis can result in physical similarities in appearance and mannerisms, showcasing a happy life together. However, this phenomenon has also led to the emergence of the term "couple diseases," which is gaining attention for its relevance to health. There are four major types of these diseases:
1. "Affluent Diseases" Among Couples
In recent years, there has been an increasing incidence of couples simultaneously suffering from diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, obesity, fatty liver, and gout—often referred to as "affluent diseases." This trend is primarily associated with shared unhealthy lifestyles, similar poor dietary practices, and low physical activity levels. Professor Li Xiujun, a standing committee member of the Endocrinology Society of the Chinese Medical Association and a specialist at Sichuan University’s West China Hospital, emphasizes the importance of mutual education and supervision between spouses. By rejecting a diet characterized by "three highs and one low" (high energy, high fat, high protein, and low fiber), and cultivating a habit of regular exercise, couples can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing diabetes and other "affluent diseases."
2. "Couple Cancer"
It is not uncommon for couples to be diagnosed with the same type of cancer, such as lung cancer, colorectal cancer, or gastric cancer. This occurrence is not merely a coincidence nor can it be attributed to contagion. Rather, cancer incidence is closely linked to environmental factors and lifestyle choices. Couples share the same living environment, which may harbor shared pathogenic or carcinogenic factors. Factors such as negative emotional influences (like arguments, anxiety, and depression) can weaken the immune system, while similar unhealthy diets (favoring grilled, fried, or pickled foods) and long-term exposure to polluted living conditions (like secondhand smoke or harmful building materials) can elevate their risk of developing cancer.
3. Shared Gastrointestinal Disorders
H. pylori, a bacterium commonly associated with gastritis and gastric or duodenal ulcers, can be transmitted between spouses through shared utensils or intimate contact. Most households tend to wash chopsticks collectively, while partners often neglect the importance of hygiene during close interactions. Therefore, actively treating gastric issues, disinfecting utensils, and maintaining oral hygiene after intimate contact are essential preventive measures. Moreover, irritable bowel syndrome, characterized by symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation, is another common "couple disease" linked to stress, anxiety, poor dietary choices, and insufficient hydration.
4. Hepatitis B Transmission Through Intimacy
Although hepatitis B is not classified as a sexually transmitted disease, it can be transmitted through sexual contact. Individuals with sexually transmitted infections or severe skin conditions often refrain from intimate relationships; however, the risk of indirect transmission via body fluids and shared items must not be overlooked. To mitigate the risk, it is vital to avoid contact with infected bodily fluids and to disinfect items like dishes, towels, bedding, and bathtubs used by the infected partner. Consulting with medical professionals about preventive medication until the partner's condition significantly improves is also advisable.
Maintaining a Healthy Relationship
Ultimately, while "couple similarity" can reflect unity and shared experiences, the underlying health risks associated with "couple diseases" shouldn't be feared. By embracing a positive mindset, fostering a healthy living environment, adopting nutritious eating habits, and gaining essential medical knowledge, couples can successfully navigate these health challenges. In doing so, "couple similarity" can truly signify a happy and enduring marriage, enhancing family life for years to come.