How A 30-Minute Physical Can Save Your Life & Add Years to Your Life

Article Highlights:

My friend Mike’s 60-year-old dad suffered a heart attack.
Physicals alert your doctor to warning signs of potential health issues.
One company touches the health care needs of 30% of adults in the U.S. every year.

Have you ever felt helpless?

That’s how my friend Mike felt on Saturday when he got the news.

His 60-year-old dad had suffered a heart attack … and they couldn’t revive him.

It got me thinking…

If you have a health issue, it’s easier to address if you catch it early.

Because you never know.

A simple 30-minute physical and blood test can add years to your life. And from a stock perspective, there’s one clear winner here.

Beware of Dorian

As I write, Hurricane Dorian is moving toward the U.S. It could be one of the worst storms in the history of our country.

More than 5,000 flights into or out of the U.S. have been delayed or canceled. And I have no doubt it will be more by the time you read this.

Yet when I watch coverage of the event, I know I will see carefree people wandering on the beach amidst hurricane winds and rain.

They’ll yell at the camera and pretend the insane winds don’t affect them.

Do they think they’re immortal?

I doubt it.

I think they’ve done it before.

They heard about the mandatory evacuation order last time — but they stuck around. It worked out fine then.

So maybe it’ll be OK this time too.

A Tune-Up for Your Body

Many of us aren’t heeding “mandatory evacuation orders” in our daily lives.

And most don’t realize it.

Our company just began a new policy this year. Our bosses will pay us $100 if we get a physical exam.

That’s it. Get a physical (that the firm pays for) and collect a Ben Franklin.

Five months after the company implemented this policy, less than 8% of employees have taken the free money.

Of course, some people will get their exams later. And some don’t like to fill out paperwork.

But everyone can benefit from having a physical each year.

Think of a physical as a tune-up for your body.

Many of you take your car in for an oil change four times a year. While you’re there, the mechanics check your car’s tire pressure and the other fluids.

You do it like clockwork … in part because there’s a sticker in the top left-hand corner of your windshield.

Your body needs tune-ups too.

It’s OK to Be Selfish Sometimes

Do me a favor. Go get a physical, OK?

If your employer doesn’t pay for it, ask them if they will.

You see, physicals are good for employers too. Your boss wouldn’t give you more money without a catch, right?

Physicals alert your doctor to health issues you suffer from today … or signs that you may in the future.

Your employer hired you because they need you. They want you to add value to the company for a long time. And that’s a lot harder to do if you’re sick … or worse.

So, do this for you.

And if that isn’t enough to convince you, do it for your spouse, your children, your parents, your siblings, your friends…

Do it for anyone who cares about you. Anyone who you like spending time with.

A 30-minute physical may ensure that you get to spend a lot more time with them.

Invest in the Godfather of Blood Tests

One company touches the health care needs of 30% of adults in the U.S. every year. That’s why it has so many sites … more than 6,600.

Quest Diagnostics Inc. (NYSE: DGX) pays a 2% dividend and generates free cash flow equal to 7% of its share price.

And the beautiful thing is … these numbers should improve.

It’s the definition of a self-fulfilling prophecy. The more people who take care of themselves by getting a physical and blood test, the more who will visit a Quest location. It does blood tests for many of you … including me.

Quest has increased its revenue per share every year since 1998. I see no reason to believe that will stop anytime soon.

So, do yourself a favor. Get a physical and a blood test. And pick up some shares of DGX while you’re at it.

Good investing,