Don’t let the recession hurt your health

Our current recession, one of the worse we will see in our lifetime, is not only bad for your bank account and 401K but it is also bad for your health.  Recent surveys of medical associations have identified the many ways that the economic crises is adding to the healthcare crises.  The American Heart Association surveyed 1,000 people in March 2009. Its survey showed that 57% reported the economy had affected their ability to take care of their health. The AHA survey also found that:

• 32% had delayed preventive care, skipped doctor’s appointments, or stopped taking medication to save money.
• 25% with gym memberships had canceled them in the past six months.
• 42% percent planned to buy fewer fruits and vegetables.

These are all things that we should be doing MORE, now that our stress levels are higher.  An American Academy of Family Physicians survey of its membership found that 66% said they were reducing fees to cut patient costs or making other arrangements to help people pay and 54% reported seeing fewer total patients since January 2008, which is about when the recession began. People are delaying care and putting off taking care of their medical concerns.  This will lead to catching cancers later, heart disease after the heart attack and strokes after the damage is done.  This is particularly an issue for those with chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, where continuous care and monitoring is so important even if you feel fine.  The high cost of healthcare is not only preventing Americans from seeking preventive or monitoring care but it is also pushing them over the edge when they get sick enough to need care.  A study from the American Journal of Medicine in 2007 showed that nearly two out of three bankruptcies stem from medical bills, and that due to high out-of-pocket costs, even people with health insurance can face financial disaster if they experience a serious illness.  The study likely understates the full scope of the problem today since the data were collected before the recession began.  The healthcare affordability crises was  worsening before the recession began.  Between 2001 and 2007, the proportion of all bankruptcies attributable to medical problems rose by about 50 percent.  We are in dire straits and the most important thing you can do is to take care of your health.  An ounce of prevention is really worth at least a pound of cure, and today you cannot risk needing that pound of cure.  It may bankrupt you!

Coping with stress

Stress is any situation of perceived threat.  This may be physical or psychological and it is based on an individual’s perception and what is most valuable to them.  One person may feel very threatened and stressed by the loss of their job while another may be excited and see it as an opportunity to start their own business.  Stress-causing situations do not necessarily have to be negative.  Marriage as well as divorce may generate the same level of stress.  Stress affects many bodily functions that, in the short term, is adaptive and helpful.  Any stressful situation causes the body to release stress chemicals such as cortisol and adrenaline which causes rapid changes in the nervous, cardiovascular, immune and endocrine systems.  This is called the “fight or flight” response where the body prepares to respond and protect itself from harm.  The problem today is that because of the constant and long-term stress of something like a recession, this acute response becomes ongoing and repetitive.  This situation cause long-term effects on the body that are damaging and raise your risk of having a psychological and/or physical breakdown.  Therefore, managing and coping with stress today is critical for your health as well as your financial situation.

How should you cope with stress?  You should first assess whether your coping strategies and support are adequate.  Even if you think they are, you should focus on them more now because of the additional stress and fact that effects of stress can mount and create a serious event without you realizing it.  When you are stressed, what do you do to cope?  What do you do for fun?   One of the most important factors is your social support system.  Who can you turn to in times of stress?  Do you feel like you have the help you need to cope?  Do you have a close friend or family member you can share anything with?  Who has “been there for you”?  Can you call on them now?  It is important during times of stress to spend time and communicate with friends and family to deepen bonds.  However, avoid or take a break from any relationships that are creating more stress or not supportive.  Most importantly do not seek escapism with drugs, alcohol or inappropriate sexual behavior.  A healthy sexual relationship can be a critical coping mechanism but studies have shown that many people under stress take more and inappropriate sexual risks.  Increase your exercise routine, go to the movies more often, read more books and, in general, find and create more time for you to decompress.  Whether it means spending more time with people or getting away from everyone for a period of time, do what recharges you in a healthy way.  It is also valuable if you are a religious or spiritual person to connect and participate in your usual practices.  For more intense stress reduction, consider relaxation training, meditation and/or cognitive-behavioral therapy.  Stress can lead to more serious issues such as depression and anxiety disorder.  In these cases, seeing a healthcare professional is essential, as there are very good medical treatments and professional counseling can be very effective in getting you back on your feet.

The stress of the recession can lead to a vicious cycle of neglecting to take care of yourself.  You become a ticking time bomb waiting to explode or breakdown.  Here are some tips for managing during tough economic times.  For a healthy future, it is even more important to do the things you don’t want to do during this time: exercise, see your doctor, find a way to pay for and take your medicines, spend time with those you enjoy being around and take time for yourself.