One Life.....

I sometimes wish life was like video games, where we have multiple lives, when we can afford to lose the first life, the second and then "game over". I thought about this recently after a colleague of mine passed away when he was just 45. One massive heart attack. That was the end of everything. You might think he was one of those pale, ailing guys who wrote his will, waiting to die. NO. He was not. He was "healthy looking" like us; walking, talking, joking and waving his kids good bye to office. Should we just dismiss this saying "it happens to others". I suggest we don't. We are as mortal as everyone else is, and no "Supreme God" can save us no matter how much we pray. So how safe are we from such tragedy ? Should we not introspect ? Let's look at some of the risk factors and explore mitigation strategies. I expect our Ortho-Psycho-Ezhil to guide us here.

Risk 1 : Smoking.
We all know the risk, but we still choose to ignore it. Hoping that some miracle will save our lungs and heart. They say nicotine is the "most addictive substance" known to humans, and most people who try to quit, fail. Making famous people like Mark Twain comment, "Giving up smoking is the easiest thing in the world. I know because I've done it thousands of times".
But they say it is never too late, check this link for the short and long term benefits of quitting.
http://www.everydayhealth.com/smoking-cessation/immediate-and-long-term-benefits.aspx

Risk 2: Habitual drinking
If you're a smoker and habitual drinker, you give your body what is called as "double whammy". Habitual drinkers cause considerable damage to heart and liver.

Risk 3 : Obesity
If you're a smoker, habitual drinker and obese, then it is "triple whammy". Your condition is serious and you immediately need to seek some help.

Risk 4 : Stress
If you're a smoker, drinker, obese and stressed. Guess you should rush straight to the hospital and get yourself checked thoroughly.

Besides the above 4, there are genetic factors as well. But that's not under our control.
Hmm...I have some or most of risk factors listed above, so will I die in my mid 40s or 50s ?. The chances are high !!
Is that the end, then ? ...Fortunately, NO.

It's never too late. By adopting a healthy lifestyle we can significantly mitigate these risks. But,what's healthy ?. Quit smoking immediately. Eat a fat free diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. Start jogging or exercising.

Besides, most important, is to have regular health check-ups to diagnose any source of problem early on. Instead of waiting for the "fatal surprise", then blame the whole thing on cruel fate as we normally do.