Before You Chase the Next Big Thing

I’ve been down a lot of rabbit holes over the years, looking for the ‘things’ that make someone healthier and stronger.  Some discoveries were worth every penny. Others taught me expensive lessons. Eventually I realized I wasn’t really looking for another product—I was trying to understand how good health is built.

I’ve come to think of it as three levels that you build like a pyramid.  Spending a lot of money, time and effort on the latest longevity breakthrough can be pointless if your foundation is not solid.  So, let’s look at the levels and what they look like to me.

Level 1 — Build the Foundation

That includes:
                A healthy diet of whole, minimally processed foods
                Sufficient protein and fiber
                Regular exercise including strength training
                Sound sleep
                Stress management
                Reducing environmental burdens
                Maintaining a healthy body composition between muscle and fat
                Just as important is having cherished relationships and purpose in life

The idea is to advantage of the free or inexpensive things you can do for yourself that have a tremendous impact on your physical and mental health.  I recall years of trying various diets to either drop a few pounds or to optimize one health issue in my body.  They always seemed to be time-consuming and expensive and often resulted in failure and frustration.  I didn’t realize at the time that there was no special diet that could fix anything when I was overworked, not rested and eating too much food that wasn’t good for me.  Looking back, I realize I wasn’t being lazy as much as hopeful that there might be an easier answer.   

Level 2 — Add Thoughtful Support

This comes after the foundations are fairly solid, not perfect but sound. Support tools can include:

                Hormone replacement therapy
                Red Light therapy
                Regular sauna usage
                Grounding mats
                Supplements
                Home health tracking such as continuous glucose monitors and body scanners
Blood work to monitor biomarkers and follow trends

These don’t replace a good foundation. In my experience, they work best when they’re supporting a body that’s already being cared for—not trying to compensate for one that isn’t. Once I committed to Level 1, many of these Level 2 tools became far more valuable. I tend to stay with Level 1 and Level 2 regularly and have made a big difference for me. 

Level 3 — Optimize with Intention

This is where it can get more complicated and more expensive.  I’ve also learned that Level 3 will have little benefit if Levels 1 and 2 are in disarray. Level 3 can include almost unlimited options but to name a few:

                Peptides
                Stem Cells
                Exosomes
                PRP – Platelet Rich Plasma
                Advanced Diagnostics
                Newer and constantly evolving longevity therapies

My recurring caution has been that just because something is fascinating doesn’t mean it belongs at the beginning of someone’s journey to good health.  We tend to jump to the most sophisticated solution before we’ve supported the basic systems that make everything work together. 

I’m personally digging deeper into the Level 3 category and have had stem cell injections as well as peptides (which I’ll discuss in future articles).  Through my doctor’s office and health coach, I’ve been able to take advantage of a few advanced diagnostics and body scans and will also share those experiences. 

There was very little in level 3 that could have benefitted me if I had not first worked in Levels 1 and 2.  After years of long working hours, carrying the burdens of a business owner and making every effort to be there for my family, Lanny and aging parents, the easiest areas to neglect are in those first two levels and I definitely did. My body reminded me constantly that it needed attention, but I was too busy to notice until I couldn’t ignore it any longer.  My hope is that you won’t reach that point.  But if you have, it’s not too late to begin rebuilding.    

I’ve also learned that Levels 1 and 2 take the most time and effort but they will also get you to a high level of health and strength if you stay on the course.  Level 3 is for the last 10-20% that you might desire but it can also be the most expensive.  Some people may be perfectly content and happy maintaining good health with strong Levels 1 and/or 2 activities.  No one says you must do more.  That’s your choice.  If you feel great and have no interest in advanced optimization, you’ll be in good company with a lot of happy, healthy people.  I personally tend to tiptoe into Level 3, more out of curiosity than need.  It’s also limited by financial resources.  Once you are testing Level 3 activities, there is no free ride which limits what I can do and is likely the case for most people. 

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that there is no prize for reaching Level 3. The real goal has never been to collect the most health gadgets, follow the most advanced protocols, or try every new breakthrough.

The goal is to build a life where you feel strong, clear, and capable enough to enjoy the people and experiences that matter most. For some, that may mean building a solid Level 1 foundation and staying there. Others may choose to add a few Level 2 support tools. And some of us, driven by curiosity, may occasionally consider Level 3.

None of those choices are right or wrong. What matters is that they are built on a foundation that can support them.

Before you chase the next big thing…

take care of the things that have been taking care of us all along.

— Jamie Harrington
Curious explorer of living well in the second half of life