We expect rock stars to run themselves down with drinking, smoking, drugs, sex and whatever else they damn well please. Live for today they say. Because it’s better to burn out than fade away they say.

But here you are after all these years, and how is your body doing?

Nobody wants to see their favorite musician gasping for air, too sick to play or having their guitar parked due to carpal tunnel.

I am 37 years old and although I take care of myself my body is not as resilient as it used to be. There are a few things that I have to do to keep my body functioning at its best.

Warm up my voice.

Stretch before I load gear. Stretch before I play. Stretch after I play. I stretch all the damn time.

Don’t perform without consistent practice. Sometimes I think as long as I know my songs I am fine, but practicing also conditions my muscles (for vocals and playing).

Drink lots of water and avoid food, drink, smoking and anything else that causes heartburn or dries out the mouth.

Take glucosamine and chondroitin supplements to keep my joints moving without pain.

Exercise regularly.

Don’t let fashion get in the way of function. I love heels, but they are not the best thing to wear when loading my 200-lb. amp.

If it hurts, rest and give it time to heal or get it checked out. If you don’t have insurance and you live in Albuquerque try UNM Care Program or MD Urgent Care.

Last week my back was hurting so bad. I kept ignoring it. It got so bad that it was affecting my singing. I went to the chiropractor and the adjustment he did made a huge difference. Apparently my rib was out of place and it was affecting my deep-belly breaths that I need for singing.

These are things that I do but your list will be different. We each need to take care of our unique bodies on our own terms.

So even if you have a beer for breakfast, a beer for lunch and a pot brownie for dinner, there are small things you can do to keep your own body rocking out on stage for many years to come.