A co-worker recently shared this story: “My mother is 84 and incredibly robust. Ever since I can remember, she’s had this one refrain: ‘If you have your health you have everything.’ Growing up, I figured this was merely a sentiment, designed to distract me from wanting all the material things they couldn’t afford. In fact, I couldn’t really internalize the value of that statement until I hit my 40’s (ah, the joys of middle age!). Now I get it.”
Listen closely to people edging toward the other side of middle age, or those challenged by illness or disability, and you’ll see a shift in values; they’re talking more about the state of their health than the status of their portfolio. They understand that things are just things. But if you have your health, you have everything.
As health care advocates, we’re reminded daily of how important our health truly is. In fact, it’s our greatest asset. Take care of it like you would your life savings: Invest in it. Manage it. Pay attention to it. Like your nest egg, once it’s gone, it’s not easily replaced.
As we look ahead to 2010, we hope the year brings you the blessings of good health. Happy New Year.