John Aaron Wellness

As much as we hate to admit it, there are times where death seems inevitable. Whether it’s a severe terminal illness or the body slowing down with old age, certain conditions can make death unavoidable. Preventable death, however, is different. Just as it sounds, preventable death is any kind of death that we actually have the power to avert. Sadly, although these deaths are preventable, and therefore largely within our control, they still occur at an alarming frequency. For more information on preventable death, check out this infographic by Katherman Briggs & Greenberg. Top Causes of Preventable Death Smoking If you’ve ever thought about lighting up, you might want to think again. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death, causing 467,000 deaths in the U.S. annually, and it’s the culprit behind 1 in every 5 deaths. In addition to causing cancer, heart disease, stroke and lung disease, smoking can shorten your life span: smokers die on average 10 years earlier tha...

For those of us that have managed to live for over 40 years or more, an interesting and somewhat morbid thing begins to happen to us. We become increasingly aware of the reality of mortality and just how precious our time here on Earth is. Perhaps this semi age related milestone helps us bypass the trivial things that distract us from living our remaining years to the fullest. Today many celebrate Dia de Los Muertos (day of the dead). Traditionally a holiday celebrated throughout Mexico and around the world in other cultures. This holiday focuses on the gathering of family and friends to pray for, remember and celebrate loved ones that have died. Now, I'm not one to read the obituary column, but plenty of my over forty clients are. I guess it's like a scorecard; as long as we're not on the list I suppose we're still winning. The unfortunate truth is that life comes with no guarantees but with one exception: death. It's a harsh reality, death. We take life for ...

I'll admit that I don't watch news very much and sometimes that gets me in trouble. It wasn't until late Monday evening when I first heard about the Boston Marathon tragedy. My first reaction was anger. Anger over how people go out of their way to try to find new methods of creating and causing others pain. It's for this very reason that I abstain from most news networks. It seems to me, that the networks have created a blood sport of taking an already terrible event and frothing it up to heightened misery. So, today as I drive toward my office, I see flags flying at half mast. So sad to know that just last December –only a measly four and a half months ago- they were doing the same; mourning over the murder of children in their elementary classrooms. Whether organized by terrorists, or a sole person looking for ways to express malicious intent, it seems that there has been an increase of individuals obsessed with causing pain and death. In some regard, I even b...

Today I would like to take a side step from writing tips on living life well and discuss the inevitable topic of death. The business of dying is a painful and difficult one that will be experienced by each of us. After losing several friends and family this year, I’ve more closely examined my own mortality and the funeral process. If you thought living was tough, have you considered the high cost of finding your final resting place? For example; while publishing an obituary in your local paper is a good way to remember a loved one and to alert family and friends of the death, some newspapers may run an obituary for an average of $50. Other cities may charge hundreds of dollars depending on the length of the obituary. Then, there are the costs of the funeral home and services; but not all funerals and funeral services are created equal. What’s the difference? Well, most funeral homes gain a loyal clientele based on family tradition. But you shouldn’t be married to any particular f...

In my closet I have a cardboard treasure box of notes and momentos from significant people and moments in my life. Sad to say, they are mostly from people I have lost to death. These people have had a positive impact on me and this is how I honor and remember them. This week, I had to add an obituary of a dear friend of mine to that treasure box. I know that death and loss are natural parts of life, but knowing this does not make the loss, or the grief, any less painful. In fact, I was surprised by just how much the news of Michael’s death affected me. After all, I hadn’t seen him in several years. But regardless, the friendship he gave me made me a better man. For that, I am grateful and cannot help but miss him. Regardless of whether a death is anticipated or a complete surprise, shock often hits you when a loved one passes. Then, immediately following your loss, accepting the fact that your loved one has indeed passed away is a hard pill to swallow. After someone you love die...