Author Archives: Edward Brownlee

Health is Wealth

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Your physical and mental health are investable assets, not a costly liability!

The adage “health is wealth” is a paraphrase of the Roman poet Virgil’s famous comment that “the greatest wealth is health.” The adage presents the idea that your physical and mental well-being are arguably your most valuable asset.

At its core, “health is wealth” means that your physical and mental well-being are far more intrinsically important than financial wealth in the realm of life satisfaction.

It’s saying, “Yes, money is great. It can solve many problems and lead to a fantastic quality of life. But in the absence of good health, money and financial assets mean very little.”

In other words, don’t pursue wealth to the detriment of your health and well-being! After all, you can’t enjoy the financial fruits of your labor if you’re in constant pain, unable to move, struggling to breathe, going to the hospital every few months, or worrying about your health…or dead.

Only if you’re well and feel well can you take full advantage of your wealth. Moreover , staying healthy is also crucial to reaching your full financial personal and professional potential.

It’s hard to be happy when you’re unwell! Thus, chasing wealth at the expense of well-being can often backfire – especially when you realize happiness also tends to make people wealthier.

“Health is wealth” is a proverb and truism that most of us could benefit from being reminded of every now and again.

After all, it’s too easy to fall into the trap of pursuing money at all costs – forgetting that, without our physical and mental health, life really isn’t that pleasant! Furthermore, by prioritizing your health, you stand to accrue even more money in the long run (and to actually be able to enjoy it without pain, discomfort, or a lack of energy getting in the way).

Health Is Wealth: What It Means and Why It’s True

References:

  1. Danny Newman, Health Is Wealth: What It Means and Why It’s True, Wealth Tender,
    https://wealthtender.com/insights/health-is-wealth/

Financial Well-Being in America

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One out of every 15 Americans is a millionaire according to a recent UBS report. That’s 38% of all millionaires in the world.

Yet, headlines state that 58% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck and that credit card debt is at an all-time high.

Two extremes of financial well-being in America.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) defines financial well-being as a state of being wherein a person can fully meet current and ongoing financial obligations, can feel secure in their financial future, and is able to make choices that allow them to enjoy life.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) conducted the National Financial Well-Being Survey in late 2016. The findings revealed wide variation in how people feel about their financial well-being. Some subgroups fare relatively well, while a majority face greater challenges.

From 2017 to 2020, the average financial well-being score for U.S. adults increased slightly, reaching 55.

However, approximately 1 in 10 Americans still had low or very low levels of financial well-being2.

Unfortunately, recent reports indicate that financial struggles have intensified. In 2022, the average overall financial wellness score declined, and fewer workers reported being financially resilient.

Inflation has had a significant impact on financial well-being in America. When inflation hit 9.1%in June 2022, 83% of Americans were concerned about rising prices. Even though inflation has eased to around 3%, 73% still express concern.

Inflation continues to shape Americans’ sense of financial well-being and spending decisions, even as rates of inflation have eased in recent years.

References:

  1. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/educator-tools/financial-well-being-resources/data-spotlight-financial-well-being-in-america-2017-2020/
  2. https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/retail-distribution/consumer-behavior-trends-state-of-the-consumer-tracker/inflation-financial-wellbeing-consumer-spending-habits.html

GLP-1 — Glucagon-like peptide

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Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a peptide hormone that plays a crucial role in blood sugar regulation. Let’s dive into some key points:

  1. Origin and Production:
    • GLP-1 is produced and secreted by intestinal enteroendocrine L-cells and certain neurons in the brainstem upon food consumption.
    • It derives from the posttranslational processing of the proglucagon peptide.
  2. Biologically Active Forms:
    • GLP-1 exists in two main forms: GLP-1 (7–36) amide and GLP-1 (7–37).
    • These forms enhance insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, helping to lower blood sugar levels.
  3. Incretin Effect:
    • GLP-1 is an incretin, meaning it stimulates insulin release when blood glucose rises.
    • Unlike other incretins, GLP-1’s action remains effective in patients with type 2 diabetes.
  4. Degradation and Treatment:
    • Endogenous GLP-1 is rapidly degraded, resulting in low fasting plasma levels.
    • GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) and DPP-4 inhibitors have been developed to enhance GLP-1 activity.
    • GLP-1-based treatments are associated with weight loss and a lower risk of hypoglycemia.

GLP-1 is a player in effective diabetes management!

Ballooning National Debt

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After years of steadily increasing deficits and debt, federal spending has skyrocketed, taking U.S. debt to levels not seen since World War II.

According to the U.S. Treasury, the national debt is approaching $35 trillion.

What does that mean for the country, its citizens and the future?

Many economists warn that a rapidly growing debt load could diminish U.S. economic growth, restrict government spending on vital programs (e.g., military, Medicare, Social Security, etc.) and increase the likelihood of financial crises.

Currently, interest payments on the National debt consumes a quarter of the annual fiscal budget.

High debt-to-GDP ratios can slow down economic growth, leading to lower wages, increased inflation, and higher taxes.

While the National debt of $34 trillion figure seems daunting, it’s essential to consider inflation. As the economy grows, the debt naturally increases. However, addressing the fiscal budget deficit remains crucial.

The national debt indirectly affects citizens through policies, taxes, and government spending. It influences interest rates, inflation, and overall economic stability.

Over the long-term, managing the debt sustainably is vital for future generations. Balancing spending, revenue, and economic growth will determine the country’s financial health.

References:

  1. https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/us-national-debt-dilemma

Gratitude Quotes

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Gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you.” It’s about appreciating the small moments, expressing kindness, and recognizing the abundance in your life.

Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor and Nobel laureate, once said, “When a person doesn’t have gratitude, something is missing in his or her humanity.” His words remind us that gratitude connects us to our shared humanity and helps us appreciate life’s blessings even amidst adversity.

John D. Rockefeller, the renowned American industrialist, kept a gratitude journal. Each day, he wrote down something he was thankful for. This simple practice helped him maintain perspective and stay grounded despite his immense wealth and influence.

Research shows that practicing gratitude can lead to improved mental health, better sleep, and reduced stress. When we focus on what we’re thankful for, it shifts our mindset and rewires our brain to notice positivity.

 

Yen Carry Trade and Market Sell-Off

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A lot of money was raised in Japan at 0% interest rates and used to speculate in equities in other parts of the world.

The “Yen carry trade” refers to investors borrowing money at near-zero interest rates in Japan, and then redeploying that cash into higher-yielding assets around the world, such as stocks and bonds.

Typically, the Japanese yen carry trade is where the cheap cash raised in Japan is redirected into higher-yielding US Treasury notes, with investors collecting the difference between the interest rates set by the Bank of Japan and the Federal Reserve. But, the yen carry trade had spilled over into other assets like stocks.

On Monday, the Bank of Japan unexpectedly raised interest rates 15 basis points last week amid the prospect of rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, the yen has strengthened. That’s sparked a wave of margin calls, leading to speculators unwinding their positions and selling stocks.

The equity market selloff was to a large extent attributable to the unwind of the yen carry trade.

References:

  1. https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/stock-market-crash-yen-carry-trade-unwind-fed-japan-rates-2024-8

Success Lies in Your Mindset and Habits

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Some people stop because it’s hard while some people start because it’s hard. The difference between those who give up and those who push through challenges lie in their mindset and habits.

If you feel that you are still stuck in the same place as you were last week, last month, last year, etc etc.

Then you blame everyone and everything else as to why you aren’t where you want to be, and why you aren’t making progress, taking zero accountability for yourself which keeps you stuck in the same place.

It’s time to realize that achieving your goals and realizing your future lies within you and your ability to “think” to “achieve”.

If you are someone who’s struggling in your business, career or life goals or you are afraid to try something new….please know the only problem is you and the problem lies within you.

Harsh truth…It’s time to work on your mindset and habits..especially if you want to attain any desire goal or level you aspire to achieve!

Your mindset and habits are not in the place that allows you to try something new such as starting that online business or workout program or continued progress and success within your goals.

Instead of seeing challenges and obstacles as roadblocks, successful individuals view them as opportunities for growth and learning.

When faced with a tough situation successful people don’t back down – they rise up to the challenge to show what they are truly capable of.

It’s time to work on your habits, thoughts and mindset!

Because, It’s your thoughts, beliefs, mindset, and the consistent actions and systems you put in place that truly shape your life.

As James Clear, in his book “Atomic Habits,” said:

“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems (habits).”

Clear emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with people who have the habits you want to have and empathizes the transformative potential of small, consistent improvements.

References:

  1. https://x.com/devinkkilgore/status/1817305137725235250
  2. https://jamesclear.com/quotes/you-do-not-rise-to-the-level-of-your-goals-you-fall-to-the-level-of-your-systems

Grateful People Are Happier and Healthier

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A growing body of research suggests that maintaining an attitude of gratitude can improve psychological, emotional and physical well-being.

Adults who frequently feel grateful have more energy, more optimism, more social connections and more happiness than those who do not, according to studies conducted over the past decade. They earn more money, sleep more soundly, exercise more regularly and have greater resistance to viral infections.

Researchers found that gratitude brings similar benefits in children and adolescents.

Kids who feel and act grateful tend to be less materialistic, get better grades, set higher goals, complain of fewer headaches and stomach aches and feel more satisfied with their friends, families and schools than those who don’t, studies show.

Philosophers as far back as the ancient Greeks and Romans cited gratitude as an indispensable human virtue, but social scientists, such as Robert Emmons, a professor of psychology at the University of California-Davis and a pioneer in gratitude research, and Jeffrey J. Froh, an assistant professor of psychology at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y.

The research is part of the “positive psychology” movement, which focuses on developing strengths rather than alleviating disorders.

Cultivating gratitude is also a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy, which holds that changing peoples’ thought patterns can dramatically affect their moods.

Much of the research on gratitude has looked at associations, not cause-and-effect relationships; it’s possible that people who are happy, healthy and successful simply have more to be grateful for. But in a landmark study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology in 2003, Dr. Emmons and University of Miami psychologist Michael McCullough showed that counting blessings can actually make people feel better.

References:

  1. https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704243904575630541486290052

Gratitude Makes You Wealthy

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“Learn to be thankful for what you already have, while you pursue all that you want.” —Jim Rohn

Gratitude makes you feel good and there are concrete benefits to being grateful that translate into real-world prosperity and well-being. And, habits that cultivate gratitude benefit everyone.

Pam Grout, author of Thank and Grow Rich: A 30-Day Experiment in Shameless Gratitude and Unabashed Joy says that “Gratitude is causative energy. It plants seeds that grow into unlimited abundance.” She points out that being thankful can increase many different kinds of capital: financial, spiritual, social, creative, even adventure capital!

Gratitude opens the door for good results in every area of life. Not only can gratitude can increase your financial wealth, it increases your well-being spiritually, mentally, socially, and physically. This equates to wealth and makes for a truly rich life!

Successful business owner May McCarthy describes in her book, The Path to Wealth, how her own gratitude practice has led to increased spiritual connection, prosperity, and a well-honed intuition.

A growing body of research suggests that maintaining an attitude of gratitude can improve psychological, emotional and physical well-being.

Adults who frequently feel grateful have more energy, more optimism, more social connections and more happiness than those who do not, according to studies conducted over the past decade, writes Melinda Beck in the Wall Street Journal.

Research over the last several years has shown overwhelming benefits. The Wall Street Journal reports that an attitude of gratitude can help people experience more energy, greater optimism, more social connections, and more happiness.

In Berkeley’s Greater Good Magazine, gratitude researcher Robert Emmons says that those who practice gratitude consistently:

  • are more helpful, generous and compassionate
  • are more forgiving of others
  • experience greater joy and pleasure
  • are more outgoing and less likely to feel lonely or isolated
  • have stronger immune systems
  • experience fewer aches and pains
  • report lower blood pressure and
  • sleep more soundly.

References:

Thank and Grow Rich: 7 Ways Gratitude Makes You Wealthy

 

  1. https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704243904575630541486290052

VA Nexis Letter and Sample

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A Nexus Letter is a critical medical document linking a veteran’s disability to their military service, often crucial for VA disability claim approval.

A Nexis Letter should be composed by a qualified doctor, including a comprehensive review of the veteran’s medical and service records, to assert the service connection of the disability. In other words, a Nexus Letter provides an expert opinion on whether your disability is service-connected. Here are some key points about Nexus Letters:

  1. Purpose: A Nexus Letter establishes a connection between your disability and your time in service. It’s especially important if you didn’t receive a diagnosis until after your military service or if you’re filing a secondary service-connected claim related to an existing disability.
  2. When Needed: You’ll likely need a Nexus Letter if your condition isn’t explicitly documented during service or isn’t on the VA’s list of presumptive conditions for service connection. Without a Nexus Letter, your chances of claim approval decrease significantly.
  3. Content: A Nexus Letter should be factual, concise, and specific. It ties your disability directly to your military service based on the doctor’s examination and review of your medical records.

Remember, including a Nexus Letter with your VA disability claim enhances your chances of approval. If the VA denies your claim, it can also be valuable evidence for an appeal. 🇺🇸

Here is an example of a nexus letter that contains all the appropriate elements.

DATE _________________

Reference: (Veteran’s name) _________

SS# ________ VA File # _______________

To Whom It May Concern,

I am Dr. _________.  I am board-certified in my specialty. My credentials are included. I have been asked to write a statement in support of the aforementioned Veteran’s disability claim.

I have personally reviewed their medical history. (Name the Documents) I have also reviewed and noted the circumstances and events of their military service in the years ____________ (Event or Events claims as the cause of the condition) while they served during their military service. (List dates of service)

Mr/Ms/Mrs. ________ has been a patient under my care since (enter date). Their diagnosis is ___________ (Name the Condition).

I am familiar with their history and have examined Mr/Ms/Mrs. ________ often while they were under my care. (Specify Lab Work, X-rays, Etc.)

Mr/Ms/MRS. ________ has no other known risk factors that may have precipitated their current condition.

After a review of the pertinent records, it is my professional opinion that it is at least as likely as not that Mr/Ms/Mrs. ________’s condition is a direct result of their (Event) as due to their military service.

Based on my personal experience and the medical literature, it is known (Provide a rationale).

Signed,

Dr. ______

  1. https://veteransguide.org/va-disability/nexus-letter/