Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of investing in one's health as a primary form of wealth, which can lead to reduced medical costs and improved quality of life.

Abstract

The article "The Best Thing to Invest In: Your Health" argues that health is the foremost form of wealth, as evidenced by the impact of the pandemic on those with poor health. It highlights that 50% of Americans carry medical debt, with 57% owing at least $1,000, which is particularly alarming given that 56% of Americans cannot cover a$ 1,000 emergency expense. The author suggests that by neglecting personal health through poor diet, lack of exercise, and harmful habits, individuals are not only doing a disservice to themselves but also potentially incurring significant medical costs. Investing in personal health, both physically and mentally, is presented as a key strategy to enhance overall well-being and wealth. The article recommends simple, cost-effective measures such as daily walks, healthy eating, and avoiding risky behaviors like tobacco and excessive alcohol use to prevent chronic diseases. It also addresses mental health, advocating for activities that bring joy and suggesting professional help when necessary. The author acknowledges health disparities and encourages doing what one can within their means, such as following free workout videos. The conclusion reinforces the message that investing in health is crucial for avoiding medical debt and achieving long-term wealth.

Opinions

The author believes that health is the first and most crucial form of wealth, as it affects all other aspects of life.
They express concern over the high percentage of Americans with medical debt and the inability of many to cover emergency expenses, linking this to the importance of maintaining good health.
The article conveys that investing in health can be largely free and suggests that simple lifestyle changes can significantly impact one's health and financial situation.
It criticizes the common coping mechanisms of resorting to unhealthy foods, drink, and drugs, advocating for healthier alternatives.
The author emphasizes the interconnectedness of mental and physical health, suggesting that engaging in enjoyable activities can improve both.
There is an acknowledgment of the existence of health disparities and a pragmatic approach to self-care within one's means, promoting the use of free resources like YouTube workout videos.
The author encourages readers to take action now to prevent future medical debt and to enhance their overall wealth, including their health.

The Best Thing to Invest In: Your Health

better health = lower costs

The first wealth is health. — Ralph Waldo Emerson

As seen throughout the pandemic, Emerson is completely correct. Health is the first wealth, it comes before all. We all have different amounts of this wealth depending on physical condition, socioeconomics, geographical location, etc. However, I wish to highlight in this article how we might be able to capitalize on whatever amount we might have, to preserve and grow our sense of wealth. Think of it as the most important investment you will make in your life.

Medical Debt in the United States of America

Perhaps not so shockingly, a 2021 Forbes article came out with the news that 50% of Americans carry medical debt. Even worse, 57% of Americans with medical debt owe at least $1,000 because of ER visits, hospitalizations, tests. Considering the fact that as of January 19th, 2022, 56% of Americans cannot cover a $1,000 dollar emergency expense, many people are in trouble. These numbers are surely worsened by the havoc the pandemic has created. However, we are going to continue to be in the pandemic for the long haul, and who knows what else may come our way.

Investing in Yourself

Many people describe themselves to just be “scraping” through life. This might be true for many of us, as we need to provide for ourselves and our families somehow. It’s hard.

By “scraping,” a sense of self-maintenance might be lost. We eat unhealthy foods, proclaim we do not have enough time to exercise, use other distracting tactics such as drink, drugs, etc. to feel more at ease in our situations. I am a culprit of this myself. I resort to cheap and easy comfort food instead of foods that will properly fuel my body when stressed or in a rush (learn more here).

In neglecting our bodies and minds, we do a disservice to ourselves, our loved ones, and our wallets. Maximizing our own health is the key investment we need to be able to maximize other forms of wealth. For example, a person who takes better care of themselves can be more creative, and perform at a higher level than someone who does not. This performance will likely result in better opportunities and therefore help enhance your outcomes.

Furthermore, when we maximize our health, we minimize the chance of needing extensive medical care and ultimately reduce medical costs.

How to Invest in Yourself Physically

Investing in yourself can and should be largely free.

Some forms include taking a daily walk, minding the food you eat, and drinking that extra glass of water. In the United States, six in ten adults have a chronic disease, which is a condition that lasts 1+ years, limits daily activities, and/or needs medical attention. Chronic disease such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity are related to the top ten causes of death in the US.

While genetics and other environmental factors certainly play a role, the CDC depicts four habits that put us at higher risk:

tobacco use/exposure to secondhand smoke
poor nutrition and diet (high fats and carbs, low amounts of fruits/vegs)
lack of exercise
excessive alcohol consumption

To prevent chronic disease, we can then think to ourselves: well, these are the four actions that should best be avoided. It is not necessarily easy for a stress-eater like myself to refrain from delicious sweets; however, I have to have the willpower of my own to at least reduce my intake from what it could be (which is massive). Whatever your vice, you might have to do the same.

How to Invest in Yourself Mentally

Let’s also talk about mental health as it is also largely important to invest in. The mental oftentimes manifests into the physiological, and vice versa.

If possible, try to find activities in life that enhance your mental and physical states. For example, if you enjoy movement and music, take a dance class. The mental challenge of learning something new as well as doing something you enjoy will ultimately bring you joy in the short and long term but it will also improve your physical state.

If you are struggling with mental help, it is a good idea to reach out to someone for help. There are several services that the US government provides, and many more local governments provide aid as well. Here’s a link to the NIH’s website for help with mental illness for reference. It’s imperative for your safety and health that steps are taken to make sure that you are ok.

Health Disparities: Do What You Can

I would be ignorant to say that we all have the same means to take care of ourselves. We simply don’t. Health disparities are widely studied because they are so vast between populations in the US.

This article may perhaps be idealizing the concept of “self-care,” so I wish to emphasize the fact that we must do this in the capacity in which we are able.

As a busy and broke student, can I necessarily afford an expensive gym membership? Heck no. But what I can do is go on Youtube and follow a free workout video. This tactic has still allowed me to lose 25 lbs and overall better my health.

It is about improvement in moderation. Creating a lifestyle that will be sustainable for yourself.

Conclusion

In order to best avoid future medical debt and maximize our wealth in every form, we must practice investing in ourselves. While one might not notice the benefits right now due to young age or a stable financial situation, the rewards in the long-term are highly desired.

You will thank yourself in the future for the steps you have taken now.

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