6 Health Investments Actually Worth Your Money (Doctor Explains)

Summary

Dr. Leonid Kim argues that many wellness products offer little value, while practical investments in prevention, personalized health data, injury prevention, and sleep may better support long-term health. He emphasizes choosing what fits your needs and budget rather than buying everything.

• Get a validated upper-arm blood pressure monitor. Blood pressure can vary throughout the day, so a single clinic reading may not reflect your usual levels. Home readings can reveal trends and help catch high blood pressure that might otherwise be missed. Choose a validated cuff in the right size; Kim cautions against wrist monitors. Home monitoring may be especially useful for people over 40 or those with risk factors such as a family history, prediabetes, or abdominal fat.

• Consider a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) as a short-term experiment. People can respond differently to the same foods, so glucose data may help identify personal patterns. Kim suggests that people without diabetes who choose to try a CGM could wear it for two to four weeks, then stop and consider repeating the experiment every four to six months. It may be most useful for people with prediabetes, excess waist weight, a strong family history of diabetes, or a willingness to adjust their habits based on what they learn.

• Look beyond weight to body composition. A scale and BMI cannot distinguish muscle from fat or show where fat is stored. Kim describes a DEXA scan as one way to assess body composition, including visceral fat. This may be particularly helpful during weight loss—especially while using GLP-1 medications—to track muscle retention and inform nutrition, exercise, and treatment discussions.

• See a physical therapist before an injury sidelines you. Kim recommends assessing movement, strength, and weak links before starting or resuming exercise rather than waiting for an injury. This may be especially valuable for people returning to exercise after a long break or noticing age-related changes. He stresses good form and injury prevention as ways to stay active over time.

• Consider a direct primary care (DPC) doctor. In this model, patients pay the physician directly, often through a monthly membership. Kim says smaller patient panels may allow for longer visits, easier access, and more personalized preventive care. Some clinics also offer lower cash prices for labs, imaging, or medications. Compare the membership cost and services with your current coverage and healthcare needs.

• Invest in better sleep—and protect time for it. Kim recommends a comfortable mattress and blackout curtains, along with bright light in the morning to support the body’s internal clock. More importantly, he advises treating bedtime as an appointment: set a firm end to the day, keep the phone out of the bedroom, and avoid routinely sacrificing sleep for work or scrolling.

Presenters and Sources

• Presenter: Dr. Leonid Kim, physician
• Sources mentioned: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force; a study published in Cell involving 800 participants and nearly 47,000 meals; a meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine involving more than 26,000 people.