Play the long game with your health.
When it comes to measuring health and wellness, many people focus on lifespan – how long they are expected to live. However, an equally important measure of health is healthspan – the number of years that an individual is able to live in good health, free from chronic illness and disease.
While lifespan and healthspan are related, they are not the same thing. An individual may live a long life, but if that life is characterized by chronic illness, pain, and disability, their healthspan is likely to be much shorter. Conversely, someone who lives a shorter life but is able to maintain good health throughout it has a longer healthspan.
One of the key factors that influence healthspan is lifestyle.
Engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, managing stress, getting enough sleep, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can all contribute to a longer and healthier life.
By contrast, poor lifestyle choices, such as a sedentary lifestyle, a diet high in processed foods and unhealthy fats, chronic stress, and substance abuse, can increase the risk of chronic illness and disease and shorten healthspan.
An important reminder is that while the doctor may determine your diagnosis, you decide your prognosis.
When it comes to lifestyle, you have alot of control on your health outcomes.
Overall, while lifespan is an important measure of health and wellness, it is important not to overlook healthspan.
By prioritizing healthy lifestyle choices, accessing quality healthcare, and managing genetic risks, individuals can increase their chances of living a longer and healthier life, free from chronic illness and disease.
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