Defense, Defense, Defense

With the football season well underway, stadiums and TV screens are filled with chants of support for the home team. A common cheer is 'Defense, defense, Defense'...often accompanied by the inane defense sign; a 'D' in the right hand, a picket fence in the left.
True football fans know that, while spectacular plays on offense, a long pass, a field length kickoff return, are exciting, it is defense, often quite boring, that wins games and championships.
With this an an analogy, I often tell my patients that once they turn 50 it is time to play defense with their health. Here are some examples of what I mean:
-taking a baby aspirin a day unless you have a specific reason not to
-keeping your weight from going up 2-3 pounds a year
-exercising every day, 45 minutes, not just weekends.
-keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers low. Don't be satisfied with 'borderline'. If you have high numbers, it will take SIGNIFICANT AND CONTINUOUS diet and exercise efforts to change them. Don't be afraid of medication if you need it.
-play defense in your community...volunteer doing something that makes you feel good.
-laugh out loud at least once a day.
-watch your step...stand on one leg
-keep striving for the elusive work/life/spiritual balance
I think you get the idea.

Here's another sports analogy:
Most games are won or lost in the second half. You can make up for a slow start with a terrific fourth quarter.

So start playing some good defense...the outcome of your game may depend on it.