When you think of leaving a legacy, the first thing that most often comes to mind is the amount of money you’ll leave behind. From stocks to bonds to real estate, most of us think of our inheritance in terms of dollars and cents.

In that way, we are missing the bigger picture. We all have a legacy that is more secure than a trust fund, more valued than diamonds, and more prestigious than a million dollar home. That legacy is our health.

The legacy of a healthy life is not only one of the most important things you can leave behind, it’s something you can build on every day. Like a trust fund, a life of good health develops over time and should be invested in daily.

Your children watch what you eat, how you spend your free time, and how you treat others. When they get older, the “health legacy” you leave them will shape the ways they take care of their own health.

Looking at your life right now, what do you think your “health legacy” will look like when you’re gone? If it’s an inheritance you think could be made better, perhaps it’s time for a change.

Talk to your doctor about feelings of anxiety, sadness, or depression you may be having. Talk to your children about the dangers of illegal drugs. Simple things such as these are the building blocks to a healthy life for you and your family.