There’s a surprising trend emerging across the United States: Americans are getting healthier, or at least, some indicators show a decline in factors that have been previously leading to poor health outcomes, and premature death. While the reasons for this are still being explored, it’s clear that health can change unexpectedly, and so we must plan for our future as best as we can. In a world filled with uncertainties, taking control of your future and planning for all eventualities, while making strides to improve your health, is the best path forward. This article will explore the recent shifts in American health statistics, and emphasize why planning for the future is more important than ever, both for your health, and for your legacy.
A Shift in the Narrative: Some Good News on the Health Front
For years, the narrative surrounding health in the United States has often been grim, with statistics that show disproportionate levels of premature deaths, and high rates of drug overdoses, car accidents, obesity, and gun violence. However, despite these long term concerns, in the last few years the data is starting to suggest something different.
- Declining Overdose Deaths: Recent reports show a decrease in drug-overdose deaths, which is a positive shift after years of troubling data.
- Reduced Traffic Fatalities: Traffic fatalities have begun to decline from the recent surge in 2020 and 2021, despite a higher amount of total vehicle miles being traveled.
- Obesity Rate Decline: For the first time in years, the adult obesity rate has begun to drop, which is good news for long-term health.
- Drop in Homicide Rates: There has been a double digit decline in the national murder rate, showing a positive shift in American life.
The Mystery Behind These Changes
While the data shows these positive shifts, there are not yet clear answers to all of the trends, and this is where we need to exercise caution. When it comes to health and wellness it is important to:
- Be Prepared for Changes: Life is often unpredictable, and having a clear plan in place is important for protecting your health, and your future.
- Focus on the Long Term: While recent trends are encouraging, you must still have a long term plan for your overall health and well-being.
- Never Let Your Guard Down: While there are positive shifts, it is also important to always be vigilant about your own health, and well-being, and to not let your guard down.
The Importance of Proactive Health Management
While the reasons for these shifts are still being debated, it’s clear that being proactive about your health is crucial. You should always focus on things that are within your control:
- Regular Checkups: Regular checkups with your physician can detect serious issues early, allowing you to make adjustments as soon as possible.
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices: You should also focus on healthy diet, exercise, and mental well-being, in order to help create a stronger and more resilient foundation for your long term health.
- Take Action: You should always focus on taking steps today that will positively affect your tomorrow.
Planning For The Unexpected
You cannot predict everything, so it is essential that you have a clear plan for the future. This includes:
- Healthcare Directives: You should have documents in place that document your wishes for your future medical care.
- Medical Power of Attorney: You should select an agent who you trust to make decisions on your behalf, should you be unable to do so yourself.
Wills.com and Your Future Well-Being
Wills.com is here to provide you with the tools you need to navigate the uncertainty of life with more control and peace of mind. While we don’t directly impact your physical health, we do provide tools to plan for all aspects of your future, by:
- Providing Essential Healthcare Documents: We provide a convenient and affordable way to create a medical power of attorney, as well as your advance healthcare directive.
- Secure Document Storage: We offer Vaultly™, a secure digital vault where you can keep all of your legal documents, which also allows them to be easily accessed by those who need them most.
- Putting You in Control: We empower individuals to make a clear and confident plan for the future, which will ensure that your values are always honored.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the best way to plan for my health?
- A: A holistic plan, including proper nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, and regular checkups, is the best approach to creating a long term plan for health.
- Q: Why do I need a Health Care Power of Attorney if I am still healthy?
- A: Unforeseen accidents and illnesses can happen to anyone at any time, making it essential to plan for the unexpected by choosing a medical proxy.
- Q: Will my Living Will automatically assign someone as a medical proxy?
- A: No. A Living Will will document your preferences for end-of-life care, but you will need to create a separate medical power of attorney to choose an agent to make medical decisions for you.
- Q: How does Wills.com assist with this?
- A: Wills.com offers legally valid templates for both healthcare directives, and also medical powers of attorney, making it easy to protect both your health and your future.
Conclusion
While there is some good news regarding positive shifts in American health statistics, it is essential that you remain grounded in the understanding that you need to be proactive in your own health, and that you should always plan for the unexpected. You are in charge of your future, and through proper planning you will gain a feeling of control and security, knowing you have taken the steps needed to secure your health, and also honor your preferences for the future. With tools like Wills.com, you can ensure that your wishes are always respected, no matter what the future may hold.
Ready to secure your future? Create your free Wills.com account today!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized guidance, consult an attorney or visit the Wills.com Learning center.