Preventive Health Isn’t Paranoia It’s Discipline
I lost my dad to colon cancer because he never got a colonoscopy. That loss changed how I see health. It made me decide to be proactive, not passive. My view is simple: prevention is a choice, and delay is a gamble.
We live in a time where many people can track their health at some level. From basic bloodwork to wearables, the tools are here. The question isn’t access alone. It’s willingness. Choosing not to look is a choice—just not a smart one.
My Wake-Up Call
“Ignorance is bliss until it catches up and you’re too late.”
That line isn’t a slogan. It’s something I felt after losing my dad. I don’t want to wait for symptoms to show up. Cancer and heart disease rarely send a calendar invite. They show up late and hit hard.
So I built a different plan for myself. Not out of fear, but out of respect for the life I want to live. I want energy, clarity, and time. That means being disciplined now, so I can stay healthy later.
Build a Baseline, Not Anxiety
People hear “full body scan” and picture bad news. My experience was the opposite. I wanted a clear baseline, so I can catch changes early. Here’s what I did by age 38:
- Paid for a colonoscopy well before the standard age.
- Got a Prenuvo full body MRI.
- Run blood panels every quarter.
- Completed a heart scan and stress test.
- Wear a Whoop daily to watch sleep, strain, and recovery.
The result? I found nothing urgent—which is great news. Now I know what “normal” looks like for me. In five years, I’ll repeat the cycle. If something shifts, I’ll see it early. That’s not fear—it’s leadership over my own life.
“Now I know this is what is normal in my body, and I have a baseline.”
The Case for Early Action
Some people say they don’t want to know. I get it. But avoiding information doesn’t stop illness—it just delays action. Silence doesn’t save lives.
Others argue the costs or time aren’t worth it. But consider the cost of a crisis caught late—financially, emotionally, physically. Early data can change the outcome. Even simple steps like annual bloodwork, age-appropriate screenings, and a basic wearable can guide smarter choices.
“At least I found it versus waiting for the symptoms to kick in when a lot of times it’s too late.”
Quality Over Quantity
Long life is great. But I care about good life—energy for my work, my family, and my goals. That requires intention. I’d rather be a little more disciplined now than pay for it later.
If you’re on the fence, start small and build:
- Schedule the screenings that match your age and risk.
- Get basic bloodwork and repeat it on a cadence.
- Pick one wearable and learn your personal baseline.
Data without action is noise. Data with a plan is power. Track it, discuss it with a professional, and adjust your habits. That’s how you stack the odds in your favor.
The Bottom Line
Health isn’t luck. It’s a series of choices. Choose early, choose often, and choose to know. That doesn’t guarantee perfection, but it gives you a fighting chance. I want to be around a long time—and feel good while I’m here. If that means more intention today, I’m in.
Your move: book the test you’ve been putting off, set a reminder for regular labs, and pick one metric to track weekly. Future you will thank present you for taking charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I decide which health tests to start with?
Follow age and family history guidance from a clinician. Begin with routine bloodwork, standard cancer screenings, and any tests tied to your personal risk.
Q: Isn’t this level of monitoring overkill?
It depends on your goals and risks. A steady baseline helps you spot changes sooner. That’s not panic—it’s planning.
Q: What if my tests find something?
Early findings often mean more options and better outcomes. Work with your doctor on next steps and keep your data organized for follow-ups.
Q: How often should I repeat screenings?
Cadence varies. Many people benefit from annual checkups, regular blood panels, and age-based screenings. Confirm timing with a professional who knows your history.
Q: Are wearables like Whoop worth it?
They’re helpful if you use the data. Track sleep, recovery, and activity. Look for trends, not single days, and pair insights with healthy habits.
