I know this isn’t breaking news, but we’re sick and getting sicker at an alarming rate. Over 70% of us are now overweight, obese, or morbidly obese. 60% of us have a chronic disease, and 40% of us have more than one. Just over half of us take pharmaceuticals daily. And here’s the crazy thing, we’re no longer outraged or alarmed over this information. It’s become our new normal.  Part of the problem has to do with money. There are billions of dollars being made treating the symptoms of a chronically ill population, and comparatively very little money to be made in helping people rethink and change their lifestyle for optimal health. But here’s the good news – great news in fact – for the most part optimal health is within our control. We can become our own healthcare advocates – in fact we must. By taking ownership of our health, we can feel better, live longer, and to mitigate the devastating consequences of chronic disease. My guest today is Emily Gold Mears. Emily is a research analyst and author of the new book, “Optimizing Your Health: An Approachable Guide to Reducing Your Risk of Chronic Disease.” Join us this week as Emily shares 18 ways that that we can optimize our health and greatly reduce the risk of chronic disease.  You can connect with Emily in the following ways: Website - https://www.emilygoldmears.com/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/emily.g.mearsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/emilygoldmears/Book - Optimizing Your Health: An Approachable Guide to Reducing Your Risk of Chronic Disease by Emily Gold Mears - https://www.amazon.com/Optimizing-Your-Health-Approachable-Reducing/dp/1637582919/  Sponsor InformationLiving Libations – www.silveredgepartners.comUse coupon code “silveredge” to save 10% on your order at checkout. Private Facebook PageOver 50 Lean Body Blueprint - https://www.facebook.com/groups/3172506236368032