07/11/2026
Taking care of yourself is never something to apologize for.
I say this because one of the most powerful things I have learned in 30 years of medicine is that community and connection are among the most important pillars of health there are. The people in your life, the meals you share, the late nights laughing — that is medicine too.
But so is sleep. So is movement. So is the food you put in your body every single day.
You do not have to choose between having fun and taking care of yourself. You can do both. You can be the person who orders the grilled salmon and still closes down the restaurant with your friends. You can skip the drinks and still be the life of the party. You can leave a little early and still be a great friend.
The people who love you will not remember whether you had a drink at the barbecue. They will remember that you showed up, that you were present, that you were you.
Take care of your body this summer. Spend time with the people you love. Do both without guilt.
Your health does not need anyone's approval.