USA Today reported recently that of the 1,000 or so people 45 and younger who have wrestled professionally since 1997, at least 65 have died. At least 25 had coronary problems — an alarmingly high rate.

Some had used steroids in an effort to build themselves up and heal more quickly. Some used painkillers and other drugs. Even though the theatrics are choreographed, it’s a brutal business.

Certainly a few wrestlers get rich, others at least become television celebrities, and a handful like The Rock and Hulk Hogan make a splash in movies — or, in Jesse Ventura’s case, politics. If someone wants to reach their level or star in a major sport, sometimes steroids will help him get there.

If steroids would help you earn, say, $2 million a year, would they be worth the health risks? Smart people could make good arguments either way.

But what’s crucial for workers in any job is to take a few moments every couple of months to evaluate whether the sacrifices you’re making are worth it. The stakes might not be as high as heart disease and millions of dollars, but workers in all jobs make health and lifestyle sacrifices every day.

Are you putting in more hours than you need to? Consider what you’re gaining and what it’s costing you. If those hours are providing you with desperately needed overtime pay or putting you on the fast track for a promotion, they probably make sense.

But at least acknowledge what you’re sacrificing. Has the boss started taking you for granted? Do your children barely recognize you? Are you putting on weight or snapping at people?

Successful workers in any field have to take risks and make sacrifices. Just make sure the dangers are worth the rewards.