This is a guest post from Douglass Karr, Petty Officer Second Class, United States Navy Veteran
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Starting your own business or jumping into a franchise opportunity is both incredibly exciting and stressful.
As a former service member and veteran, you know the importance of keeping your mind and body in top shape, but as business owner, sometimes our focus goes elsewhere.
So, here are some handy tips to ensure that your health remains in check. If you’re in “fighting form,” there’s no reason why your new business adventure won’t be either!
1. Get a physical
Scheduling an appointment with your doctor for a physical seems like the last thing that needs to be on your mind. But, as an entrepreneur, you make sure that everything is in order even before you turn on the lights in your new business, so why wouldn’t you do the same for yourself?
Getting a physical protects your most valuable asset: you. Not only will you be able to gauge how physically health you are – remember that you’re about to start a very stressful time in your life – and what preventative measures you can take to ensure that you remain that way.
2. Ensure health issues are under control
With a physical, you’ll be able to talk to your doctor about your current health issues and ensure that your management is where it needs to be. Also, this is a good time to check to make sure that you’re not at risk for any other medical conditions that may pose a threat to your new business endeavors.
For example, if you served anytime between World War II and the Vietnam War, you may have been exposed to asbestos, especially for service members that worked in Navy shipyards. Since asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma, the disease may have laid dormant for years without any outward symptoms.
During your physical, talk to your doctor about your potential exposure and risk for developing mesothelioma as well as what are the available treatments for mesothelioma.
3. Stay connected
We’ve all seen it: top executives say that the main, and often, only regret about their professional career is that they neglected their families, friends, hobbies and most importantly, themselves.
In your new business adventure, start on the right foot, without regrets. Make time to be disconnected from your business and spend quality time with those you love. Begin your new career with a balance.
(Douglas Karr served as an Electrician's Mate 2nd Class, Surface Warfare Qualified, from 1986 to 1992. He served on board two ships, the USS Coontz DDG-40 and the USS Spartanburg County LST-1192. On board the Spartanburg County, Doug was the Electrical Safety Petty Officer and awarded the Navy Achievement Medal for his work during Desert Storm and Desert Shield. Find him on the web on his about.me page. )
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