I keep a car 200,000 miles. Sure, there have been random repairs, but for the most part, they run problem free. The secret? Maintenance. You have to maintain your vehicle. You can’t skimp on regular servicing. Because saving a buck today will cost you a small fortune tomorrow.
Of course, we’re quick to maintain our cars but then let our bodies go to seed. We eat crap, sit on our duff and wonder why when we hit 100,000 miles, we start falling apart. We end up eating a bowl full of pills and feeling miserable. And then we act surprised when it happens.
Watching my parents struggle with their health was my epiphany. I have their genes so now, at my age, I know it is time to act. The years are starting to move really, really quickly now and I know if I want to be healthy at 75, I need to invest in my health now. And of course as an added bonus, I’ll feel better today.
I exercise six days a week. I try to eat well and reduce stress. I do the little things that add up over the years.
As we watch our medical system change (daily), we all need to focus on preventive medicine. If an apple a day keeps the doctor (and the bill) away, I’ll buy a bushel. Gone are the days are being to run to the doctor for every sniffle. It’s just too darn expensive.
As I type this, my car is getting its oil changed. It’s at 115,000 miles and running well. My body also has about that many miles on it, too. My goal is to keep both for many years to come.