When I was in my 30s and had two small children, my appendix burst. It turned into a fairly routine procedure to remove it and get me back on my feet; but I realized that if I had lived even 100 years ago it probably would have been fatal.

Near death experiences can change your whole perspective. When I was young and single, I did all kinds of crazy things that could easily have ended me. Once I got married and had children, I definitely became much more conservative in the personal risks I was willing to take because it wasn't just about me anymore.

Tomorrow is promised to no one, but each of us can do things to minimize risk.