Chapter 1: Understanding the Necessity of Prevention

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." ~ Benjamin Franklin

Steve Adcock, a prominent voice in the realm of social media, is recognized for his insights on financial stability and life planning. Once an IT professional, he and his wife achieved financial freedom by the age of 35. I follow him on X (formerly Twitter) and subscribe to his newsletter, Millionaire Habits.

Recently, I came across a tweet he shared, which I found compelling enough to capture and post on my WhatsApp status, captioned: "Setting emotions aside, he's stating the facts." Many individuals experience anxiety about aging, often attributing it to unavoidable age-related health issues. However, this mindset overlooks the significant impact of lifestyle choices on health outcomes.

Reflecting on my childhood in an African household, meals often consisted of EBA paired with a scant portion of meat, whether it was beef, pork, chicken, or turkey. EBA, made from dried grated cassava flour (Garri), is high in carbohydrates with a high glycemic index, which can lead to quick spikes in blood sugar levels. Consuming such meals with minimal protein creates an imbalance, offering excessive carbohydrates and insufficient nutrients. As children, we were fortunate enough to burn off these calories through play and physical activities. However, as we transitioned into adulthood, those calorie-burning opportunities diminished.

As adults, we often cling to the unhealthy eating habits instilled in us during childhood, which can lead to chronic health issues such as respiratory diseases, cancer, hypertension, and diabetes as we age. Despite fearing these potential ailments, many remain reluctant to adopt healthier lifestyles now, erroneously believing that good health in old age is merely a matter of luck. We observe individuals in their 70s, 80s, and beyond who appear vibrant and youthful, assuming they possess some secret to their longevity. The truth is, their vitality comes from discipline rather than chance. Genetics may play a role, but it is not the sole determinant of healthy aging. A commitment to a healthy lifestyle is crucial. Those fit older adults are not fortunate; they have created their own good fortune through discipline.

Prevention is better than cure - this principle extends beyond health; it is also a safer and more manageable approach. It's often said that life presents challenges in various forms: attaining wealth can be difficult, and so can poverty; being disciplined is hard, just as negligence is. Similarly, maintaining health is challenging, but so is living in poor health. The choice is clear: choose your challenges wisely.

Chapter 2: The Role of Lifestyle in Health Outcomes

In a recent conversation on Instagram Live, someone shared a story about an acquaintance living with diabetes who believed his condition was due to a spiritual attack. After having shawarma for a snack, he returned home to find his wife had prepared EBA for dinner. The observer thought, "You just had a heavy snack and now want to eat EBA? You might be contributing to your own diabetes." The reality is, these health issues are not caused by external forces but rather by personal choices.

Ultimately, prioritizing preventive measures leads to healthier outcomes and ensures a better quality of life as we age. Choose your hard!