Your health is a critical resource that you need to manage. When you are sick or injured you know that this is true. One of the signs of maturity at any age is recognizing that you’re responsible for your own health and fitness AND doing something about it.
Exercise, good diet, mentally engaging activities are all important. But today you also have to take advantage of the latest medical science to extend your life and the quality of life you have.
For me, just turning 50, the first new thing to do is to get a colonoscopy. I can’t say I’m excited about doing this, but I’ve made my appointment and I’m getting it done. If you’re 50 or older, you should too. Here’s the informative Wikipedia link, but don’t freak yourself out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonoscopy.
Why get this test? Because if you do, you reduced your chance of dying from colorectal cancer by two thirds. I’m not terribly excited about getting the test done, but I am completely on board with the concept of not dying of colon cancer. It’s not that big of a deal, really. You spend a day cleaning out your system (if you want a laugh and are not easily offended, search for Billy Connolly’s take on the subject on Youtube.com). You show up for the test the next day, you get sedated, they perform the test, which you’ll probably not even notice, and someone drives you home. All done. You have a day off. If everything is clear, you don’t have to do it again for ten years. If they find anything they can act on it and you’re chances of recovery are excellent.
Are you taking responsibility for your health and fitness?
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Excellent advice, Randy. Perhaps some people are deterred from having a colonoscopy because it is not covered by their medical insurance. I advocate more frugality in other areas (see Randy’s other posts about The Spend Nothing Game) in order to insure the safety of one’s personal good health. It’s worth it to me.
An excellent point. Health before virtually any other expense.
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