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Serious medical advice for under 50s
Don’t be like me. Don’t do what I did.
I’m in my late 50s and I’m a mess, medically. Ok, let me qualify that melodramatic statement. I have several medical issues that are a culmination of not taking my health seriously, or more precisely, for granted, most of my life.
But I’m not complaining. There are people out there with cancer, COPD, heart failure, diabetes, paralysis, and other very debilitating issues. I don’t have any of these. In fact, it is precisely because of my lack of restrictive symptoms that I’ve largely ignored my health.
I’m a hot mess
Let’s do a little cataloging:
· I’ve been 30–70 lbs overweight for most of my existence. I have a sweet tooth which doesn’t help.
· I’ve never been a one for consistent exercise. It’s tempting to blame my career and my hobbies that keep me in a chair 12–16 hours a day, but apart from some walking, I’ve never stuck to an exercise regime.
· I’m terrible at drinking water, and only now realize I’ve probably been constantly dehydrated.
· I have a rare liver disease that is, thankfully, mostly stable. I probably had it from birth, but it showed symptoms in my twenties. It probably horrifies you to consider that I still drink…