A more concise and engaging alternative for your phrase could be:

"Who chooses to be sick? Illness is not only uncomfortable, but it can also disrupt your daily life and finances. When you're sick, you may miss work, lose income, or need costly care and medication. In some cases, even rely on others to help you.

As the saying goes, 'Prevention is better than cure.' While some illnesses are unavoidable, there are steps you can take today to lower your risk and maintain better health. Here are ten ways to start."

1. Find Joy in Relaxation.
Experts recommend exercise, meditation, and deep breathing to manage stress, but simple activities like listening to music, reading, or enjoying a warm bath can also help. Chronic stress can lead to serious health issues, so it’s important to unwind regularly.

Short on time? Even 10 minutes of relaxation—like a quick walk or reading a chapter—can help you feel calmer and more energized. If you're in a rush, try deep breathing to reduce stress and lower your heart rate, which can improve your overall health.

2. Cut Back on Salt.
Keeping a saltshaker on the table can tempt you to overuse it, contributing to high blood pressure. Instead, store it in the cupboard or pantry and bring it out only when necessary for cooking.

3. Turn in Earlier.
Many of us aren’t getting the recommended seven or more hours of sleep each night.

Chronic sleep deprivation can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke, no matter your age, weight, or exercise routine.

If you’re not getting enough rest, try heading to bed just 15 minutes earlier each night. Establishing and sticking to a consistent sleep and wake schedule — even on weekends — can also make a big difference in improving your sleep quality.

4. Savor a Glass of Red Wine.
Research suggests that the antioxidants in red wine can help protect against heart disease, colon cancer, anxiety, and depression. If there’s no medical reason to avoid alcohol, feel free to enjoy a glass of merlot with dinner — here’s to your health!

However, moderation is key. While small amounts of red wine can be beneficial, excessive alcohol intake, even wine, can lead to serious health issues like liver and kidney disease or cancer.

Women, in particular, should be cautious, as they are more susceptible to liver problems from lower amounts of alcohol. For men, up to two drinks a day is typically safe, but women should limit themselves to one alcoholic beverage daily.

5. Assess Your Posture and Ergonomics.
Take a moment to check your posture at your desk or on a call. Straighten your back, engage your core, and keep your feet flat on the floor. This can help prevent back pain, a common health issue.

If you work on a computer, ensure your workspace is ergonomically sound to avoid strain and injuries. Simple adjustments like repositioning your monitor, using a supportive chair, and taking regular stretch breaks can improve your comfort.

Next time you need to go up a floor, take the stairs instead of the elevator to get your blood flowing and strengthen your legs.

6. Challenge Your Mind.
Studies from RUSH show that engaging in mentally stimulating activities like reading, solving crossword puzzles or Sudoku, and playing chess may help protect your brain.

Research suggests that regularly exercising your brain could reduce the risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.

Not a fan of puzzles or games? No problem! There are plenty of other ways to keep your brain sharp. Try eating with your non-dominant hand, taking a different route home from work, or staying socially active — staying connected with others can also help guard against dementia.

7. Monitor Your Weight.
Keeping a healthy weight can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers. For women, there’s an additional reason to manage your weight: it can lower the risk of developing pelvic floor disorders in the future.

Pelvic floor disorders are more prevalent in women who have given birth vaginally. However, recent research indicates that even women who have never experienced a vaginal birth are at a higher risk of urinary stress incontinence if they are overweight or obese.

8. Make Simple Food Swaps.
Choose whole grain bread, rice, crackers, and pasta instead of white varieties. Use skinless chicken and turkey, and opt for lean cuts of beef or pork.

Replace one sugary drink each day with water. For snacks, enjoy almonds, whole fruit, or carrot sticks with hummus instead of candy or chips.

Add an extra serving of non-starchy vegetables to your meals. Have a carrot instead of a cookie, or serve broccoli or spinach instead of mashed potatoes.

Vegetables, especially dark leafy greens, are nutritious and filling without many calories. Check out cookbooks or RUSH's content hub for healthy veggie recipes.

9. Opt for the Stairs.
Next time you need to go to a higher floor, skip the elevator and take the stairs. This simple choice will get your heart pumping, strengthen your lower body, and give your lungs a workout.

It’s an easy way to incorporate physical activity into your day without needing to set aside extra time for exercise. If you're aiming for the recommended 10,000 steps daily, using the stairs contributes to that goal.

These small changes can lead to a healthier lifestyle.

10. Incorporate Stretching.
Regular stretching keeps your muscles flexible, helps prevent injuries, and allows for easier movement as you age.

Take a few minutes to stretch before and after exercising. On non-workout days, include short stretch breaks. Find a quiet spot in your office to stretch or look for natural opportunities throughout your day, like getting out of your car or reaching for items on high shelves.

Stretching before bed can relieve tension and promote better sleep.

Additionally, balance exercises like Tai Chi can significantly reduce your risk of falls.

References:

https://www.rush.edu/news/10-simple-ways-improve-your-health

https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/g201506/improve-your-health/