Three Proven Life Savers

I read an article this morning on Web MD that listed the top steps a person can take to save their life.  There were the expected, but oh so important, admonitions to get regular check-ups and screenings.  We’ll think nothing of paying money for trips, technology, and clothes - but when it comes to seeing a doctor, all of a sudden we want to clamp the checkbook shut.  Yet, there isn’t any shopping to be done ever again if the grim reaper shows up!  No. Shopping. Ever. Again.  I’m not sure more frightening words have ever been strung together.

There were also some really great tips that we can do on our own.

1. Daily Aspirin Therapy.  There seems to be a little controversy over how important this is or isn’t.  Frankly, if there are enough doctors recommending the practice (and there are) and if there aren’t undesirable side effects (and there aren’t) - I think it’s a no-brainer.  Of course, if you’re allergic to aspirin, don’t touch it.  Also, it’s a big fat no no for anyone below 20 who has the flu to take aspirin or aspirin products.
2. Flu Shots.  Speaking of the flu, getting a flu vaccine was another step listed.  This is especially important for those who suffer from other diseases such as diabetes, asthma, etc.  It’s, also, downright crazy for an elderly person to miss his or her flu shot each year.  According to Web MD, 12,000 additional lives would be saved each year by increasing the portion of adults aged 50 and older who got an annual flu vaccination to 90%.
3. Stop Smoking!  If you smoke, you’re flirting with disaster and, what’s worse, you know it. However, it’s like being in a really bad relationship.  You know the breakup is going to be hard….even painful…so, you just keep putting it off.  I don’t think most smokers think they’re going to smoke forever.  They usually say something like, “One day I’ll quit, but I have too much stress at work right now…” Again, like ending a bad relationship - the pain of a few days or weeks will go away (faster than you think), THEN, the ugliness can never hurt you again!  It’ll feel like you’ve been given a new lease on life.  You’ll feel healthier, everyone will be proud of you, you’ll be proud of yourself, you’ll save money that you can then spend at Starbucks, you’ll live longer….

And your breath will smell better, too.  Especially if you take the Starbucks advice.

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