Lessons from my Surgery Rotation at the VA:

#1) Don't get old.

#2) If you must get old, please, along the way, keep down your blood
pressure, eat a lot of fiber, get some damn exercise, and, for
heaven's sake, Don't Smoke. If you fail to follow this advice, a team
of people dressed in funny gowns and head gear will one day remove
your lung / colon / foot whilst listening to the Rocky theme.

#3) Hug your nearest veteran. He probably has PTSD.