We can't control everything that happens to our health. But we can be more intentional about what we do with the health we have today.

It's been an unusual month.

Two people I know had knee replacements. One had a hip replacement. Another passed away following a stroke, and a couple more are dealing with cancer. And then there's my own ongoing experience with osteoarthritis in my back and hips.

That's a lot to see and think about in such a short time.

It's got me wondering how much attention we're really paying to our health before something happens that demands it.

We tend to pay attention when something goes wrong, but it's easy to take our health for granted when things seem to be going well. We know exercise matters. We know we should eat well, sleep well and regularly assess our health. But knowing something and making it a consistent part of our lives are two different things. Life gets busy. Exercise gets bumped to another day. Convenient food wins out over healthier choices. We put off appointments or ignore something that's been bothering us because it doesn't seem urgent, or because we're afraid of what it might be and hope it'll just go away.

Then something happens to us or someone close to us, and our health suddenly becomes a much bigger priority.

Understanding the risks

I've been thinking about this partly because of what I've seen recently and partly because of something I've been reading: Outlive by Dr. Peter Attia.

Attia identifies four major categories of chronic disease that can significantly affect our lifespan and healthspan: cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, and metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes.

His message is that we should be more proactive about understanding our individual risks, learning about appropriate screening and assessment, monitoring our health, and taking action when needed. We can't prevent every disease, and not every condition can be detected early. But we can make more informed decisions and take intentional steps to reduce risks and support our long-term health.

I'd add a fifth concern: osteoarthritis and joint pain. While not one of Attia's Four Horsemen, it can have a significant impact on mobility, independence and our ability to enjoy life.

Because it's not just about how many years we live. It's about how we live those years.

What am I doing about my own health?

I believe we each need to take an active role in our own health. No one has a greater personal interest in my health than I do, and I suspect the same is true for you.

I'm making an effort to keep learning and stay informed as advances in biotechnology, diagnostics and treatments continue to develop.

I also have a current team of health professionals: a physiotherapist, chiropractor, acupuncturist, massage therapist and my medical doctor. I've chosen to work with people whose approaches align with my interest in being proactive about my health. I discuss concerns and symptoms with them, share relevant assessments and recommendations, and try to ensure everyone understands the broader picture. I value their expertise and use their guidance to make informed decisions about my care.

Over time, what began as more regular treatment for specific issues has evolved into preventative maintenance. Even when pain is no longer limiting me or symptoms have settled, I continue with periodic appointments, adjusting the frequency as needed.

For me, maintaining good health isn't just about dealing with problems when they arise. It's also about paying attention and addressing things before they become bigger concerns.

Of course, much of it is up to me. Exercise, sport and recreation, recovery and rest, healthy eating, and continuing to work on pain management and sleep are all important parts of my routine.

I'm also continually adjusting my exercise and tracking some of my activities and health metrics to help me stay consistent and see where I might need to improve. I'm not trying to create a perfect system. I'm trying to pay attention, learn and keep improving.

You don't have to change everything

This is what I keep coming back to: taking your health seriously doesn't have to mean embarking on a complete lifestyle overhaul. It starts with understanding where you are today.

How are you feeling? Are you maintaining the strength and mobility you want? Are you sleeping well? Is there a persistent problem you've been ignoring? Are you up to date with the health assessments and screening appropriate for your circumstances?

For some, the next step might be talking with a healthcare professional about a particular concern. For others, it might be getting back into a regular exercise routine, paying more attention to sleep, or addressing that nagging discomfort we've been working around.

It doesn't have to be a dozen things at once.

Sometimes we need to pause, take an honest look at where we are, consider where we want to go, and decide what matters most. From there, we can make more intentional choices about what comes next.

What do you want to remain capable of doing?

When I think about my own health, I come back to this question: What do I want to be able to do in ten or twenty years?

I want to keep exploring, travelling, playing sport and enjoying time with family and friends. I want to remain engaged in life and capable of taking advantage of opportunities when they arise. I don't expect my body to remain exactly as it is today. I already have things to manage, and I know there will be changes. But I don't want to assume that getting older automatically means giving up the activities and experiences that make life meaningful.

That's why I continue to invest time and attention in my health. Not because I can control every outcome, but because I want to give myself the best opportunity to live the life I want to live. And I suspect many of you want the same thing.

The goal isn't simply to live more years. It's to remain capable of making the most of the years we have.

So, what is your next step?