Contractor Tip of the Month: Your Health is Your Wealth – Prioritizing Longevity and Well-being

Words: Damian Lang

In the fast-moving business world, it is easy to prioritize work, deadlines, and wealth accumulation over your health. However, you may find that if you spend the first half of your life only building wealth, you may spend the rest of your life depleting that wealth to restore or maintain your health. Recognizing the importance of your well-being early on can help break this cycle, allowing you to live a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life.

Several years ago, I awoke one morning to discover that I had suddenly and permanently lost most of the vision in my right eye. After extensive medical evaluations, I was diagnosed with an eye stroke. Doctors attributed it to my extremely high triglycerides and cholesterol, along with being 50 pounds overweight.

This health scare forced me to reassess my priorities. While I had always set professional goals, I had never focused on health-related objectives. It became clear that it was time to dedicate more effort toward my well-being.

It is possible to have both quality and quantity of life. (Added "both" for clarity)

Just 200 years ago, the global average life expectancy was under 40 years. Today, in many developed countries, it averages around 80 years, with nations like Japan and Switzerland exceeding that. Advances in medicine, nutrition, and technology have resulted in longer lifespans.

Modern healthcare practices and organizations are striving to change this narrative. They focus on proactive testing and personalized treatments designed to enhance both lifespan and quality of life.

Still concerned about my health episode, I attended a CEO International event where I learned about one such organization: Fountain Life. This program emphasizes the importance of prioritizing health, understanding the science behind longevity, and implementing practical strategies for long-term well-being.

Fountain Life’s tests identify early indicators of cancer, heart disease, memory loss, and brain conditions. If those indicators are detected at the earliest stages, then dietary changes, medication, vitamins, and proper exercise can prevent future problems.

Experts from Fountain Life use advanced diagnostics and custom health plans to prevent these conditions. Their team of doctors, nutritionists, and trainers develop individualized strategies to improve longevity, emphasizing the importance of understanding your body's needs through metabolic and hormone assessments.

The company claims that by following its comprehensive program—including diagnostic testing, personalized medical interventions, and ongoing nutrition and fitness coaching—it is possible to live up to 120 years. This means that at 59 years old, I could still have more than half of my life ahead of me! To me, that is exciting.

The saying goes, "He who has his health has everything." But the reality is that good health is not simply the absence of illness; it includes the energy to perform optimally, the ability to enjoy your accumulated wealth, and the freedom to pursue passions without physical limitations.

I have learned that maintaining a healthy weight is critical for preventing chronic diseases that can shorten life. Obesity is linked to numerous health issues, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain cancers. Add the fact that many of us sit in an office chair for hours and eat processed foods, and that makes losing weight a challenge. (Adjusted sentence structure for clarity)

Conversely, those who maintain a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and exercise enjoy significant benefits:

Improved energy levels: A healthy weight reduces cardiovascular strain, making it easier to stay active.

Reduced risk of chronic disease: Studies show that even moderate weight loss can considerably lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Better mental health: Physical fitness contributes to lower stress, anxiety, and depression levels.

Increased life expectancy: A healthy weight enhances longevity by reducing disease risk and improving physical resilience.

Being at a healthy weight allows you to continue managing your business and spending time with family without being hindered by illness or fatigue.

A healthier you means a healthier business. (Removed capitalization for consistency)

Looking after yourself is not just a personal investment—it is a business strategy. Being healthy enables you to think clearly, manage stress effectively, and lead with energy and enthusiasm. Moreover, prioritizing health sets a positive example for your team, encouraging them to follow suit.

Neglecting health in the pursuit of wealth often results in chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or obesity. Ironically, much of the money amassed over decades may be spent on healthcare expenses—costs that may have been avoided with a proactive approach to health earlier in life.

Of course, achieving optimal health goes beyond taking the right medications; it requires a holistic lifestyle change. For me, this includes regular yoga and exercise, personalized nutrition, a regimen of supplements, routine check-ups, and stress management.

Due to the health coaching and training methods outlined in this article, I now feel revitalized and have as much energy as I did in my twenties. Maybe I will get carded the next time I buy a case of beer! (Consider removing or revising this for a professional tone)

Living to 120 years old may seem ambitious, but with medical advancements and a proactive approach to health, it is increasingly feasible. Ultimately, a healthy bottom line means little if you do not have a healthy bottom (along with the rest of your body). Make changes now so you can be healthy enough to enjoy the rewards of your labor for many years to come.

BIO
Damian Lang is CEO at Lang Masonry Contractors, JVS Masonry, Buckner and Sons Masonry, Wolf Creek Construction, Buckeye Construction and Restoration, 3 Promise Labor Services, Malta Dynamics Fall Protection and Safety Company, and EZG Manufacturing. To view the products and equipment his companies created to make job sites safer and more efficient, visit his websites at ezgmfg.com or maltadynamics.com. To receive his free e-newsletters or to speak with Damian on his management systems or products, email dlang@watertownenterprises.com, or call 740-749-3512.


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