Issue #423: Don't Wait and See
Good morning. It’s Friday, January 24th.
In today’s email:
Focus: Why We Put Our Health On Hold
Move: Hamstrings
Laugh: Inauguration Day
In the News: How Taste Works
Brain Games: Calcudoku
Stat of the Day
The amount of lead in the air in Los Angeles compared to normal - the city has also seen 40x the level of chlorine from the wildfires. Don’t underestimate the long-term effects of bad air quality. (NYTimes)
Focus
Why We Put Our Health on Hold
“I really need to make the time for this…I’ll aim for Friday.”
This was an early Thrive25 Beta Member talking about reviewing the results of their Personalized Biomarker Report.
Then they said, “Actually when you send out the report - can you suggest a calendar invite that forces me to do this?”
Why We Wait
Our health is the classic “important, but not urgent” thing we manage in life.
Humans are designed to focus on the present. In a world full of immediate danger, it’s critical that we make sure we are safe, have food right now, and won’t starve for the next few days/weeks.
But that means it’s really hard for us to worry about the stuff that will kill us later.
Those blood test results - they aren’t going to change between now and next week.
So we push through our daily routines - meeting work deadlines, driving kids to gymnastics, and looking for time to cook dinner. We’ll worry about those tests tomorrow.
This is totally normal and makes sense - to a point.
The problem is that it’s super easy to never come back to the report - never learn anything about what’s going on inside your body, and never check in to see what you might need to do right now for your health.
And that has consequences.
You know why it’s essential to get blood tests every year starting at age 35?
Because you should be looking at health risks 25 years into the future.
Heart disease, diabetes, reduced liver function - they don’t just happen when we hit 60. They are the result of the accumulation of problems over a long period of time.
But what if you catch that tiny risk early?
What if that HbA1c is 5.5% when you’re 35 and instead of letting it continue to go up, you say - nope, I’m bringing that back down to 5.2%?
Well - you just went from Path A to Path B and it changed your life.
Schedule Time
Even if you make time to go to the gym, even if you meditate, even if you get out for walks - it’s important to schedule time to assess your health.
Put a time on the calendar - at least 1x per month - that you spend 30 minutes going over your health.
Ask yourself these questions
How do I feel? Am I waking up full of energy? Am I sustaining that energy throughout the day?
How’s my brain doing? Am I always clear-headed and able to problem-solve?
Am I limited? Is there anything I can’t do that I used to be able to do or that I want to be able to do?
Do I have new information about my health? Lab tests, vital signs, waist circumference, strength tests that show me how my health is changing?
Then write down what you are going to do for the next month - not year, just month - to optimize your health and wellbeing.
If you’ve got a partner or close friend - do this with them. It will build camaraderie and accountability. Super important to get your partner on board!
Don’t think your health will just magically get better.
First you need the data. Then you need the plan.
It might not feel like it - but we’re building our path for the next 25 years right now.
—
Ready for the next level of your health?
👉 Sign up for our Waitlist of the Thrive25 Personal Longevity Advisor. 🎯
Thrive25 Partner Spotlight
The Sleep App That Forbes Rated 5 Stars 😱
The app Forbes said helps "users achieve high-quality sleep by creating and maintaining effective sleep routines” is back with new sounds and features!
Now featuring over 300 unique sounds to fall asleep to, a personalized sleep tracker and more. It’s no wonder over 65 million people have downloaded this app for better sleep.
Try it tonight 👇
Move
Hamstrings: What, Why and How
This is one of my weak links - hamstrings!
Check out this great primer on what hamstrings are, what they can do and how you can improve your flexibility to keep these muscles in great shape.
Laugh
Inauguration Day
Sometimes you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time…is it Coronation Day, Nudie Magazine Day or Inauguration Day - hmm, I’m not sure.
H&L in the News
Protein Powder - Magic or Myth?: Most people don’t need protein powder, but it can be helpful for muscle-building, recovery, or convenience. Learn when it’s worth it and how to pick the best option for your health. We love Momentous*! (NYTimes)
2024’s Game-Changing Health Innovations: From mind-controlled prosthetics to AI-powered medical breakthroughs, explore the top 20 innovations revolutionizing health, longevity, and care for a healthier future. What's in store for 2025? (Fortune)
Taste Begins in Your Mind: Expectations shape how food tastes before the first bite. Neuroscience reveals how our brains blend past experiences, culture, and perception, offering insights to reshape healthy eating habits and create better-tasting food. (Big Think)
* We have an affiliate relationship with Momentous and may earn a commission. Both Max and I have been using the protein powder for over a year and are impressed by the results
Brain Games
Calcudoku
The objective is to fill in the grid with the correct digit in each cell, between 1 and 5:
Each row contains exactly one of each digit
Each column contains exactly one of each digit
Each bold-outlined group (with same color) must equate the result with the numerical operation - addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (*) and division (/)
Credit: Brainzilla
**For answer, scroll to the bottom of the post
Product Recs
Please consider the following brands - when you purchase products we’ve tried and trust, you’re not just investing in your health - you’re also supporting Thrive25’s mission to make health & longevity accessible for everyone (we do earn a commission).
💊 Momentous - unlock your peak performance with Momentous supplements: scientifically proven, clinically backed, and patented formulas. Enjoy a 15% discount off the entire product portfolio. Use code Thrive at checkout. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your performance journey - shop now!
Primal Kitchen - Primal Kitchen redefines flavor with a healthy twist, offering an array of irresistible options. Enjoy a 10% discount off your entire order at Primal Kitchen. Don’t miss out - click HERE to claim your discount today!
💪 TMAC Fitness - say goodbye to equipment and hello to an invigorating routine that combines fitness and meditation in the comfort of your own home. Transform your body and mind with TMAC's exclusive program. Take the first step towards a fitter, more balanced you. Get started with TMAC today!
🌎 Zero Acre Farms - seed oils can have real negative effects on our health - but they’re in almost everything we eat. Made by fermentation, not deforestation, Zero Acre Farms cultured oil uses 85% less land than canola oil, emits 86% less CO2 than soybean oil, and requires 99% less water than olive oil. Get 15% off your order with code THRIVE25 today!
Thanks for another great week!
Want to see what we’re up to? Sign up for early access to our platform
Check out the latest videos on our YouTube channel
Got feedback, recommendations or stories to share? Tell us what’s on your mind here
Want this direct to your inbox? Sign up here
** Brain Games Answer **
Why Thrive25
We’re 40-something dads that felt our bodies and minds start to slow down and we’re not ready for that. We found too much information on every subject. So we started Thrive25 to transform what we’ve learned into something useful for the rest of us to spend just 3-5 min a day to optimize our health & longevity.
This newsletter is for you and we truly value your feedback. Never hesitate to reach out to us at team@thrive25.com.
To health!
Sign up for free:
The information in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and may not be appropriate or applicable based on your individual circumstances. Thrive25, Inc. does not provide medical, professional, or licensed advice. Please connect with your healthcare professional for medical advice specific to your health needs.