The best of Morning Musely: Don't take your health for granted
Why do we ignore our most valuable resource?
When I was growing up, I swear it was only ‘old people’ that got sick. Now I’m in my late forties it feels like a lot of people are sick… at my age.
Am I imagining it?
Yesterday I was texting a friend (my age) who’s currently in hospital. We swapped lines from BlackAdder.
Me to him:
BlackAdder: ‘Baldrick, I have a very, very, very cunning plan’.
Baldrick: ‘Is it as cunning as a fox what used to be Professor of Cunning at Oxford University, but has moved on and is now working for the UN at the High Commission of International Cunning Planning?’
Him to me:
‘Madder than Mad Jack McMad winner of last year’s Mr Madman contest.’
In amongst this nonsense was the admission that it’s time for him to change his ‘diet and lifestyle’. The pair of words that when said together commit you to moving to the next stage of your life, whether you’re ready for it or not.
I know many people who have found themselves having to comply with doctor’s orders while under 50 - and I’m one of them.
My thing is Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE for short). To save you googling it’s inflammation of the tissues that line the esophagus. Unchecked and untreated esophageal cancer is the likely path. (I’m on top of it with regular medication and gastosocropies).
As a result I’m Gluten Free and Lactose Free. I’ve been told I should consider going red wine and coffee free… but I’m not a complete idiot.
My health issues pale in comparison to others, but this age thing puzzles me.
Is there anything to it?
There is evidence suggesting that people are experiencing chronic illnesses at younger ages than in past generations.
According to ChatGPT, here are a few key contributors:
1. Sedentary Lifestyles:
With more time spent sitting, working from screens, and reduced physical activity, young people are increasingly at risk of health issues like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, all of which can manifest earlier in life.
2. Diet and Processed Foods:
The prevalence of ultra-processed foods high in sugars, fats, and additives is linked to metabolic syndrome, obesity, and other chronic conditions. These foods can cause inflammation and other health issues at a young age.
3. Mental Health and Stress:
Younger generations report higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Mental health issues have been shown to impact physical health, leading to conditions like hypertension and immune system problems.
4. Environmental Exposure:
Air pollution, chemical exposure, and other environmental factors may be affecting health sooner. Studies link these exposures to conditions like asthma, allergies, and even cancers.
5. Screen Time and Sleep Deprivation:
The impact of screen time on sleep quality is significant, especially with the use of devices before bed. Poor sleep is a risk factor for many health issues, from mental health problems to metabolic disorders.
6. Healthcare Access and Awareness:
Increased access to healthcare, while beneficial, also means conditions are detected sooner. But in some cases, gaps in preventive care and high treatment costs can also delay early intervention for young people, potentially worsening outcomes.
Anything ring true for you?
I’ve been to/watched online two funerals this year of the way-too-soon club.
Ange who was 45, passed away 10 weeks after a diagnosis of blood cancer. 10 weeks! And not even a year after burying her own father. Heartbreaking for her family.
Andrew (‘Bag’ to most) passed away 3 months ago today of brain cancer. Prime of his life. Fully reformed Vegan and all round lovely bloke.
Why?
Makes no fucking sense.
If you’re like me and having trouble reconciling the closing gap between expected-time-left-on-earth and getting the dreaded ‘diet and lifestyle’ recommendation, consider this.
Most ages are too young for anyone to die.
From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few of us realise. Until we no longer have it.
Have a healthy day and I’ll see you in the Morning. Maybe walking on the beach.
Cheers,
Wade