Anne
what we "hear" as children can be stored away and taken out for airing all through our lives.To issustrate this..I had an Aunt who bought special soap.Remember this was just post war.The soap Bomol was my Grandmothers favourite when she was a young woman.So aunt made a comment when I was staying that since I was there on holiday her soap was being used up quickly.I remember thinking "Wow" I have been naughty.
Fast forward until I had my own home..I stored soap like it was going out of fashion.I realise now I was reacting to a chance remark.
Perhaps your Father was deeply concerned about your health and could only express this the way he did.
Mountain ash