Happy and Healthy
While it’s probably too late to wish you a happy and healthy new year, let’s agree—it’s never too late to focus on being healthy. If you’re anything like me, you share a healthy dose of frustration with the state of healthcare. I’m not Luigi-level frustrated, but high premiums, high deductibles, and a family that seems allergic to in-network providers? Let’s say it’s not great for my blood pressure.
Case in point: I remember visiting my doctor at 45 when he suggested I get an EKG. Routine enough. But here’s the kicker—I’d been seeing the same cardiologist for five years and never once thought to ask if there was an in-network option. When I finally did, my internist referred me to someone in the same office, same building, same technician, same test—just a much more minor hit to my wallet.
The final straw came when my primary care doctor decided to go full concierge. That’s when I knew I had to take matters into my own hands. I needed a way to find great doctors—close to home (ideally within a two-block radius), with nice offices, who actually accept my insurance.
This search wasn’t just about saving money but about cutting out unnecessary stress and making healthcare work for me. Because let’s face it—when healthcare feels like one more headache, it’s time for a better system. And while I haven’t completely solved the puzzle, I’m getting closer.
ZocDocs
App, Medical
ZocDoc is essentially what I like to call Hinge for healthcare—or maybe for hypochondriacs? I’ve been using this app for a while now and have built an impressive network of doctors who meet my very specific criteria. These include essentials like accepting my insurance, offering appointments at convenient times, and being close to home—plus a few personal preferences that only a seasoned ZocDoc user would understand. One of my favorite features? Seeing pictures of the doctors and their offices so I can do my own version of “superficial research.”
The app also streamlines a lot of the logistical headaches we’ve all come to dread, like filling out endless first-visit paperwork. Instead, you handle it electronically in advance, which is a small win but feels like a big one. ZocDoc even sends reminders for annual checkups and specialty appointments I should book—an increasingly handy feature as I gracefully (or not) march through the years.
Now, let me be clear: when it comes to major or non-routine health concerns, I’ll go out of network if it means seeing the absolute best. Case in point—there’s a specialist I’ve been seeing for years who doesn’t take my insurance. Recently, though, ZocDoc surprised me by revealing another specialist in the same field who does take my plan. Naturally, I opted for a “belt-and-suspenders” strategy—because four eyes are better than two when it comes to my health. For just a small co-pay, I now have a second opinion to compare against my long-time favorite. Think of it as a little friendly competition between experts.
Bottom line: ZocDoc makes healthcare more efficient, cost-effective, and—dare I say—less maddening. Whether it’s finding the perfect doctor or navigating the chaos of insurance and appointments, this app is a game-changer. Here’s to a healthier, happier (and slightly less frustrated) you.
Icy Hot, Infrared Sauna & Cold Plunge
When I was younger, post-game soreness was a quick fix—slap on some Icy Hot (or BenGay, the poorly named classic) and call it a day. But as the years roll on and I branch into new activities, like skinning instead of skiing, I’m discovering muscles I didn’t know existed—and problems I can’t solve with a dab of menthol. Enter the new age of recovery: the infrared sauna and cold plunge.
These treatments are a jolt to the system in the best possible way. Sometimes, that’s exactly what your body needs—a wake-up call to shake off lethargy, especially after physical exertion. Spas pairing infrared saunas and cold plunges are popping up everywhere, offering the chance to alternate between the two as you like. The benefits? Improved circulation, detoxification, reduced inflammation, pain relief, and more. That said, they’re not for everyone, so check with your doctor before diving in.
For those who prefer the convenience of home, there are some fantastic options on the market. Odin is a standout, offering sleek and effective plunge pools and saunas that are easy to install and look great. If space is a concern, the Renu Siberian Large Tank provides a compact solution without compromising quality. For saunas, ClearLight is a go-to brand for high-quality infrared options that deliver results. I am in the process of installing a ClearLight as we speak.
The days of Icy Hot may be behind us, but the future of recovery is looking a whole lot cooler—and hotter.
Early Detection, Galleri & Ezra
Medical
When it comes to the big, bad stuff, there’s no better defense—or offense—than early detection. Maybe it’s my age, or maybe there really is something in the water (or food supply). Whatever the reason, it seems like more and more people I know—really know—are being diagnosed with devastating diseases. That’s been enough to make me rethink how I spend my healthcare dollars, stretching my insurance savings (thank you, ZocDoc!) into a deeper dive on my personal health.
Two tools I’ve explored are Galleri and Ezra.
Galleri is a groundbreaking blood test designed to detect fragments of cancer cell DNA floating around in your bloodstream. The test not only looks for the presence of these cells but can also trace them back to their organ or tissue of origin. That’s game-changing intel for your healthcare team, especially when timing is everything.
Ezra takes a different approach with full-body MRIs that scan for signs of cancer. Over the years, I’ve had more than my share of MRIs, mostly thanks to sports injuries. And yes, whenever I’ve been in the scanner, I’ve taken the opportunity to ask the technician to “zoom out” and check for anything else while they’re at it. When I hurt my shoulder, I asked them to scan my head and neck, too—because why not? But Ezra’s scans take it to the next level, deliberately searching for trouble before it makes itself known.
These tools aren’t just about peace of mind—they’re about being proactive. Here’s hoping the results are always “all clear,” but if they’re not, you’ll be glad you caught it early.
Let's toast to happiness and health and consider ZocDocs, Odin saunas & cold plunges, Clearlight, and early detection tools Galleri & Ezra found!