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Mr. Bell does not prioritize his own needs. Because of past negative experiences with doctors, he refuses to make a medical appointment even when he begins experiencing worrisome dizzy spells. Furthermore, he’s stubborn. Even though his family has a history of hypertension, he continues to eat unhealthily despite his wife’s best efforts to improve his diet. Mr. Bell's health problems adds great stress to the family culminating in his death which is a source of lasting emotional trauma for both boys.