September 6 is National Fight Procrastination Day — a good reminder that health is one of the areas where putting things off carries the biggest consequences. "Ignorance is bliss" may feel true in the short term, but knowing what's happening in your body is far better protection over the long run.

Key Points

• Heart disease causes about 1 in 5 deaths in the U.S.
• For many people, the first sign of heart disease is a heart attack.
• Cancer cases worldwide are projected to rise sharply in the coming decades.
• Family history raises risk, but disease often strikes people without it.

Heart Disease Often Gives No Warning

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, responsible for roughly one in every five deaths. It's also largely silent while it develops. For many people, the first noticeable symptom is a heart attack itself. A coronary calcium scan can reveal plaque in the arteries before that happens, giving people time to make changes.

Cancer Is Becoming More Common

Many cancers produce symptoms only after they've grown or spread, when treatment is more difficult. The International Agency for Research on Cancer projects that new cancer cases worldwide will rise by more than 75% by 2050, driven largely by aging populations and lifestyle factors. Imaging can reveal some tumors before they spread; the full body scan overview explains what's examined.

Family History Matters — but It's Not Everything

A family history of heart disease or cancer raises risk and is a good reason to stay vigilant. But plenty of people develop these diseases without any family history, so it shouldn't be the only factor in deciding whether to pay attention.

Ways to Stop Procrastinating on Your Health

• Schedule overdue checkups and screenings today, not "someday."
• Know your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.
• Ask your doctor which screenings are recommended for your age and history.
• Consider whether preventive imaging, such as virtual colonoscopy or a heart scan, fits your needs.

The Takeaway

Acting early is almost always easier than reacting late. Use today as the nudge to take one concrete step for your health.