Proactive Protection: Smart Choices for a Healthier Future
My inspiration to promote a sane way to a long and healthy life
Early in my medical school career, I encountered a booklet that profoundly shaped my understanding of how we die, particularly in industrialized nations. Created by OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development), it highlighted the stark reality of preventable deaths, especially among men aged 18-35, where accidents, suicides, and homicides were tragically prevalent. This realization sparked a conviction: by preventing these early causes, individuals could enjoy smoother health trajectories until mid-life, allowing ample time to cultivate profoundly healthy habits. This insight underpins my belief that while our healthcare system has its challenges, we hold immense power to shape our own long, healthy lives. It’s what I call proactive protection.
Earlier this month, I discussed the concept of knowing your numbers to be incorporated into the Power of 5 Life formula–as another perspective in the framework for comprehensive well-being. Today, we delve into Proactive Protection, a vital component that underpins all five pillars.
Cultivate a Healthy Future
A significant portion of health issues are preventable through conscious lifestyle choices, adherence to recommended safety measures, and timely vaccinations. This proactive stance is essential for cultivating a healthier future, positioning prevention as an active investment in long-term vitality rather than merely a means of avoiding risk. This perspective shifts the focus from restrictive ‘don’ts’ to empowering ‘dos,’ emphasizing the positive outcome of thriving rather than just the negative of avoiding illness.
Avoid the Risks
The following recommendations are well-established risk factors to our health and longevity but worth reviewing as they pose significant risk to one’s long-term health.
Avoiding well established risky behaviors is a key component to living longer and healthier and include:
- Avoid smoking and all forms of tobacco use, as they are major risk factors for various diseases.
- Limit alcohol intake to no more than two drinks per day as recommended, as excessive use is a known health risk for men. My personal recommendation is total avoidance based on my current interpretation of the health risk of alcohol consumption related to neurodegenerative, cardiac and metabolic disorders, and cancer.
- Practice safer sex, including consistent use of condoms and regular screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Avoid illicit recreational drug use.
- Minimize participation in activities with a high inherent risk of injury, important for overall health.
- Embrace safety measures in daily life which contribute significantly to a healthier future such as …
- consistently using a seatbelt when in a car
- wearing a helmet when on a bike or motorcycle
- using appropriate safety equipment, such as a safety ladder for reaching high areas.
- not using a ladder after age 65, a fall will change the trajectory of your life forever
Proactive Protection for Yourself
While staying up to date with recommended vaccinations has become a controversial subject, they provide another layer of protection. This includes annual flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines to guard against common respiratory illnesses. A Tdap vaccine booster every 10 years is advised, and the HPV vaccine is recommended for individuals under age 26 to protect against certain cancers and genital warts. For adults over 50, two doses of the Shingrix vaccine are advised to prevent shingles. Ensuring varicella and MMR vaccines are up to date is also important if there is no prior immunity or history of chickenpox, measles, mumps, or rubella.
The cumulative power of these consistent, seemingly small protective choices—from wearing seatbelts to getting vaccinations and limiting alcohol—highlights that health protection is not about a single grand gesture but a continuous accumulation of many small, consistent, daily decisions.
Conclusion: Your Path to a Powerful, Healthier Life
Taking charge of one’s health is an ongoing journey that requires consistent effort and a commitment to empowerment. The Power of 5 Life approach integrates five interconnected elements for comprehensive well-being: reducing Sweets and Stress, while increasing Sweat, Sleep, and Socialization. Today’s focus on Proactive Protection through smart lifestyle choices, safety measures, and timely vaccinations directly underpins and enhances each of these elements, synergistically contributing to a profound sense of vitality and overall health.
The path to better health doesn’t demand an overnight overhaul but rather an intentional commitment to consistent, manageable changes; even small steps can lead to significant change. The cumulative effect of these incremental actions creates a powerful, transformative journey, making health goals feel achievable and combating feelings of overwhelm. Remember, it is never too early or too late to start.
While this guide empowers you to take self-action, it is crucial to recognize the essential partnership between self-empowerment and professional medical guidance. Consulting healthcare professionals for personalized advice and tailored schedules is paramount. By embracing these principles, you can embark on a path to living a fuller, more powerful, and healthier life, making strategic decisions that contribute to your overall vitality and ability to enjoy life to the fullest.
Ready to make these smart choices for your health? Explore more about the Power of 5 Life and access resources that empower your journey to lasting well-being. Join our community and take control of your health today!
To a long and healthy life,
David Bernstein, MD
