5) Risk, Protection & Longevity (Playing the Long Game)
Think long-term longevity (design for 30 years of ambition)
You're not just trying to survive the next visa renewal. You're building a life. Think about 'healthspan' (healthy, functional years) not just lifespan. The 'Four Horsemen' that kill most people are heart disease, cancer, metabolic disease, and neurodegenerative disease. You can track your risk with three numbers: ApoB (cholesterol that causes heart disease), Blood Pressure (under 120/80), and HbA1c (blood sugar). Get these tested annually and optimize them. Compounding habits matter: 10,000 steps daily, 30 different plants per week (gut health), strength training to preserve muscle. Sleep isn't just rest—it's when your brain flushes toxins linked to Alzheimer's. Prioritize sleep like your life depends on it, because it does. You're building a body that can sustain 30+ years of career ambition, family life, and the demands of being an immigrant. Start now. The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today.
- Front-Loading: If you know you have a major surgery coming up, try to do it as early in the year as possible (January/February). This hits your deductible early, meaning every other doctor visit for the rest of the year will be covered by insurance.
- Deferring: If you are near the end of the year and haven't spent a dime toward your deductible, it might be better to wait until January to start a major procedure so that the cost goes toward your new deductible.
Free Resource: Strategizing Your Medical Spending for Maximum Savings
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