Prevention or Treatment?

It is much easier to maintain your health than it is to recover from an illness. People are busy and often say that healthy behaviors are not a priority; they simply do not have the time. Unfortunately, if you don’t have the time to maintain your health, you’ll likely be forced to make the time for illness. Which would you prefer?

I’ve spent over a decade in healthcare, witnessing countless patients come to the ER with chronic, lifestyle-related illnesses—many of which were preventable. These individuals often face long waits because their conditions aren’t emergencies. Some misunderstand the healthcare system; others simply have nowhere else to turn.

The reality is sobering:

• Not all walk-in clinics have onsite doctors, and some require appointments made days in advance.
• Family doctors, if you’re fortunate enough to have one, are overwhelmed, with wait times stretching to a year or more.
• Follow-ups with specialists or additional services can take months, unless your case is deemed urgent.
• And pharmacy visits, tests, and follow-ups further compound the time commitment.

Meanwhile, healthcare workers are stretched to the breaking point. We’re short-staffed, underfunded, and exhausted. Breaks are rare, equipment fails, and yet we give our all to help as many as possible. Even so, we often feel it isn’t enough.

This is why prevention must be our collective focus. By adopting healthier habits, we can improve our quality of life and reduce the burden on an already overwhelmed healthcare system. Imagine a future where you spend less time in waiting rooms and more time doing the things you love.

Ask yourself:

• Are you moving your body regularly in a way that feels good?
• Are you getting restorative sleep?
• Are you fueling your body with nourishing, balanced meals?
• Are you managing stress in healthy, sustainable ways?
• Are you investing time in meaningful relationships and leisure activities?

Small changes today can lead to significant transformations in the months and years to come. Start small:

• Take a 10-minute walk after meals.
• Replace one sugary drink with water.
• Commit to going to bed 15 minutes earlier each week until you’re getting 7-8 hours of sleep.
• Schedule a non-negotiable self-care activity, even if it’s just 5 minutes a day.

Still feel like you don’t have time to prioritize your health? Remember, it’s not just about adding years to your life—it’s about adding life to your years. Your future self will thank you.