Tools for Personal Health

Earlier this year, I wrote an article about using the simple design method of zooming in and zooming out (check that out here) to help make progress on big hairy problems. As we close out 2022 I wanted to show how we might use that method to create improvements in our personal health in 2023.

Here is the macro problem we are facing (zooming out) that was highlighted in an article in USA Today — The Average American life expectancy fell from 77 to 76.4 years last year, bringing U.S. figures back to where they were in 1996, according to federal data released Thursday.

The article quotes Dr. Steven Woolf, a professor of family medicine and population health at Virginia Commonwealth University. He goes on to say, “We need to make a decision as to whether we’re just going to accept those losses and accept that Americans are going to be less healthy than people (in other wealthy countries) and live much shorter lives or we need to do something about it,” Woolf said. “We don’t lack solutions. We lack political will.”

Now, don’t get depressed, our health system is massive and complicated and there are lots of smart people working on changes.

Political changes are SLOW and we could make progress as a nation on improving our health without depending on the political system. So instead of waiting let’s break the problems presented in the article down from a population level to an individual level (zooming in) and highlight some existing solutions that a creative and motivated person could take advantage of.

My basic assumptions are:

• We all have the capacity to change our current habits and behaviors with the right fuel and the removal of the right friction.
• Most people have access to the internet.
• This list is an example and the systemic problems present at the population level will still present significant barriers at the individual level but health progress is achievable.

Ok, let’s break down those barriers and brainstorm potential solutions that might make enable more health progress (Zooming In).

1. Access to Quality Education

Shameless plug warning— join an Anytime Fitness and get a personalized plan to improve your health. We have over 2,500 certified personal trainers and locations within 10 miles of 80% of the US population.

Another of my favorite possible creative solutions is podcasts. They are an approachable and entertaining way to get access to the best experts in the world. Additionally, listening to these helps you feel more motivated and part of a healthy community.

Here are my favorites related to improving our personal health:

• Peter Attia, MD for understanding exactly what you can do to increase your longevity.
• Andrew Huberman to understand how your brain and body work together.
• Rich Roll and Experts on Expert to exposes you to a community of healthy people that will inspire you and keep filling your cup.
• StrongerU Radio for Nutrition advice and education.

2) Affordable housing

Living in the Bay Area, I see this problem front and center every day. Here are a couple of creative solutions that can be taken on at an individual level.

• Accessory Dwelling Units — either building one if you currently own a home or renting one if you are looking for affordable housing. https://www.hcd.ca.gov/policy-and-research/accessory-dwelling-units#:~:text=ADUs%20are%20an%20affordable%20type,source%20of%20income%20for%20homeowners.
• Another creative solution is to rent a smaller space than you think you need. I have been following Ori Living and admire how they transform small apartments to be more flexible.

3) Access to healthy food

• If you live in a city the grocery delivery apps (Instacart, Amazon Fresh, etc) have been very helpful to provide access but it can be an expense.
• Bento is a company going right at the intersection of access and affordability. Using a text message-based system to connect vulnerable people to good, nutritious food. Also — it’s run by my friend Adam Dole, who is a force when it comes to helping shape the health of our nation.

4) Reduced Income Inequality

A lot of this comes down to gaining higher-valued skills. Here are a couple of great resources

• Year Up offers tuition-free job training and education to help students land internships and higher-paying jobs.
• We all need mentors who help guide our decisions and LinkedIn is an amazing resource for finding one.

5) Greater regulation of industries that pollute or provide potentially dangerous products.

Our money talks and regulation is one part but what we choose to spend our money on is our choice. When it comes to our personal health it’s hard to know who is a source of good information.

• Any trail, pathway, sidewalk, or park is the perfect fitness solution for most people.
• Also, Thorne is one of the good ones when it comes to providing access to health tests and supplements.

I would love to know what tools you are thinking about using in 2023 to improve your health. Let me know and Happy Holidays!

Cheers,

Jason