Time is NOT on Your Side

Contrary to what The Rolling Stones might have you believe; time is not always on your side. While it can be your ally when investing for retirement or your child’s education (God bless the person who came up with the 529 plan!), time has a way of turning something new and shiny into something old and worn out before you know it.

However, there are ways to help beat back the hand of time. Whether it’s a large industrial boiler or your dad’s Oldsmobile Cutlass that still runs like a charm, following a preventive maintenance schedule can help critical machinery last for generations.

As Benjamin Franklin famously said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This is definitely the case when it comes to changing the oil in your engine—it's much cheaper to change the oil than to rebuild the engine. The same principle applies to your personal health.

Unfortunately, many people avoid seeing a doctor because they fear what they might hear. This fear can lead to neglecting important preventive care, which can have serious consequences. Even a small health issue can worsen over time if left untreated.

Regular preventive medical visits, such as routine check-ups with your primary care provider, dental cleanings, dermatological exams, and eye exams, are essential for maintaining good health. These visits serve as early detection mechanisms, allowing for timely intervention and potentially preventing serious illnesses before they escalate.

Think of your body as a complex machine. Just as a manufacturing firm conducts preventive maintenance on its critical equipment to ensure optimal performance and avoid costly breakdowns, you must invest in preventive care to safeguard your health. Here are some “must-dos” if you want to stay as active as Mick Jagger (who’s 81!):

Regular check-ups with your primary care provider: These provide a comprehensive assessment of your overall well-being. Your doctor can monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other vital signs, identify potential problems early on, and offer personalized advice to maintain good health.

Dental health: Regular dental cleanings and exams can help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. If left untreated, these conditions can have serious consequences, including heart disease, stroke, and even premature birth. By seeing your dentist twice a year, you can protect your oral health and reduce the risk of these complications.

Skin health: As you age, it becomes increasingly important to prioritize skin health. Dermatologists can detect and treat skin cancer, the most common type of cancer in the United States. Regular skin exams, especially for individuals with a family history of skin cancer or those who have had excessive sun exposure, can help identify suspicious moles or lesions early on. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve the prognosis for skin cancer.

On a personal note, I can testify to the importance of seeing your dermatologist once a year. Last year, my wife noticed something on my forehead and suggested I get it checked out. I did, and the doctor treated it with that spray gun-thing that freezes the spot and prevents the issue from growing.

One year later, I decided to make a visit to the dermatologist a regular thing. I didn’t have any concerns, but during the exam, the doctor noticed something behind my right ear. Since it was out of sight, I hadn’t noticed it. Long story short, it turned out to be basal cell carcinoma. Luckily, it was detected early, and all is well now. Just let this be an example of why an annual trip to the dermatologist is a must.

Eye exams: Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining good vision and preventing vision loss. These exams can help identify and address conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration. By seeing an eye doctor annually, you can protect your vision and enjoy a better quality of life.

In addition to these regular check-ups, vaccinations are crucial for preventing various infectious diseases. Vaccines protect individuals and communities by building immunity against harmful pathogens. Some important vaccinations include:

• Flu shots: Annual flu shots are recommended for everyone over six months old. The flu virus can cause serious illness, hospitalization, and even death.
• COVID-19 vaccines: COVID-19 vaccines help protect against infection, severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Unfortunately, COVID-19 isn’t going away—it’s likely to stick around just like the flu.
• Shingles vaccine: Shingles is a painful viral infection that can affect older adults. The shingles vaccine can reduce the risk of developing shingles and its associated complications. I got my shots after hearing too many horror stories from people who’ve had shingles—it sounds horrible!

As you get older, it's also important to undergo a colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer. Colon cancer is a leading cause of cancer death, but it can be prevented or treated effectively when detected early. A colonoscopy allows your doctor to examine the inside of your colon for any abnormalities. It’s another “must-do” once you turn 50. The prep isn’t fun, but you’ll feel well-rested once it’s done!

By combining regular check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing serious health problems and improve your overall quality of life. Remember, addressing a health issue early can often be less invasive and less costly than waiting until it becomes a more serious problem. Don't let fear prevent you from taking care of yourself.

Et, al....

Review: Trekking: The National Parks

So, if you’ve been a subscriber to my newsletter for a while, then you know I enjoy a good board game. I’ve always enjoyed board games, but like many of you, they got back on my radar during the pandemic. Since then, I’ve been picking up a new game every three months or so.

In addition, I’ve been getting out of my comfort zone and attending local board game meetups. Here in Dallas, one group meets the first Friday of every month at the On Rotation Brewery & Kitchen. In fact, I was there the day before this version of my newsletter. These events are a great way to learn new games with someone who already knows the rules and meet some new like-minded people along the way. In fact, the annual Board Game Geek convention is in Dallas this year from November 13 to 17 and I plan to attend for a bit.

All this being said, my family recently played Trekking: The National Parks which is a game designed for 2-5 players and is suitable for ages 10 and up, making it a great choice for family game nights. Players embark on a journey across a beautifully illustrated map of the United States, visiting various national parks and collecting stones that represent different park experiences. The game mechanics are straightforward, involving card drafting and set collection, which makes it accessible to both new and experienced gamers.

And the Verdict is…

I really enjoy this game!

What sets this game apart is its educational value and the balance of strategy and luck. As players move their hikers and set up camps, they learn interesting facts about each park, fostering a deeper appreciation for these natural treasures. The game strikes a perfect balance between strategic planning and the unpredictability of card draws, ensuring that each playthrough is unique and engaging.

So, whether you’re a seasoned board gamer or someone who loves the great outdoors, Trekking: The National Parks offers a fun, educational, and visually appealing way to explore America’s national parks from the comfort of your home.

If you enjoy what you've read here and you think I might have a clue what I'm talking about, then please reach out to me if you would like me to present to your firm or organization. I have experience talking to professional organizations, trade conferences, as well as universities. I've also appeared in newspaper articles and podcasts. Also, I'm available for birthdays and bar mitzvahs.