We often say that health is our most important asset. Yet when it comes to proactively testing it, many of us hesitate.
In this special episode of It’s Never About Money, I decided to confront something I’ve worried about for a long time. Because of my family history of cancer, stroke and high blood pressure, I’ve often assumed I might not live to a ripe old age. That belief has shaped the way I approach money, planning and even how seriously I take “future Joe”.
It turns out that if you suspect your time might be shorter than average, it changes how you behave.
Nature, environment and responsibility
Over the years, I’ve put a lot of energy into living a healthy life. I’ve competed in bodybuilding, experimented with different nutrition approaches, removed caffeine, reduced alcohol to almost nothing, tracked my sleep and kept sugar low because I know how much it affects my focus and mood.
At the same time, I’ve wondered how much of our lifespan is set by genetics, and how much can we influence through the way we live?
Diving into the data
To explore that properly, I undertook the HealthScreen Platinum Program – a comprehensive diagnostic assessment. It involved a full day of tests: detailed blood work analysing more than 100 biomarkers, ultrasounds, MRI imaging, body composition scans, genetic testing across more than 160 cancer and cardiac-related genes, and a range of other assessments designed to build a complete picture of current health and future risk.
The results were reassuring. My calcium score was zero, my cardiovascular markers were strong and overall the message was simple: keep doing what you’re doing. Hormone health was solid. Thyroid and prostate markers looked good. There were small areas to optimise – including some cholesterol tweaks – but nothing too alarming.
How health affects wealth
For me, this is where health and financial planning intersect.
In many ways, we avoid proactive health testing for the same reason we avoid writing a Will – because it forces us to confront something uncomfortable.
We squirrel money away for retirement, we build portfolios, and we talk about long-term goals, but how much does that matter if we’re not here – or not well enough – to enjoy it? To hear the full reflection – including how this has changed the way I plan and spend going forward – listen to this episode of It’s Never About Money.
Interested in discovering more about health and longevity? I recommend starting with these episodes:
What If Science Could Show You How Long and How Well You’ll Live?
Talking With A Sleep Expert About The Rhythms That Run Your Life
Why Nutrition Matters More Than You Think
Why Willpower Isn’t Enough (and What Really Builds Habits)
Thank you for joining me for Season 6 of It’s Never About Money. By interviewing experts, diving into the science and data, and fully immersing myself in this topic, I’ve come to appreciate how powerful our small, everyday choices are.
I’ll certainly be carrying this mindset forward with me as I move through my – hopefully long and healthy – life. I hope this season has given you something valuable to carry forward too.
