Staying Well in a Financial Crisis

Don’t Let Money Woes Wreck Your Health.

“The relative value of health and wealth,” someone once said, “depends on which one you’ve lost.” The trouble is, you could easily lose both. Money problems create stress that can worsen many medical problems such as anxiety, depression, heart disease and obesity.

Kimberly Morse, M.D. sees a destructive cycle that has become more prevalent in our tough economy. In her Columbia, MO practice, she often treats patients whose medical issues are much worse than they might have been with earlier treatment. “We see a lot of people who aren’t taking care of themselves because of the financial stress they’re experiencing,” she said. And advanced symptoms translate into more costly — and often less successful — treatment.

When unemployed or facing a financial crisis, you have to find ways to conserve and cut corners...but those savings should never come at the expense of your physical well-being.

Here are some tips for staying healthy in a money crunch:

Maintain perspective. Health is infinitely more important than wealth. With all the riches of the world, you could not add a single day to your life. Safeguarding your health, on the other hand, may add years.

You are your most important asset. Don’t neglect regular exercise, good nutrition, healthy habits and preventative care. When you are under financial stress, it’s even more important to follow through with doctor-recommended exams, physicals and treatment plans — so that a neglected office visit doesn’t turn into an expensive trip to the emergency room.

Talk to your doctor. Be honest and upfront with your health care provider about your financial constraints. “We’re doing more than ever before,” Morse says, “to help patients manage health care costs — prescribing generic or alternate drugs when available, for example.” Talk to your doctor. Be honest and upfront with your health care provider about your financial constraints. “We’re doing more than ever before,” Morse says, “to help patients manage health care costs — prescribing generic or alternate drugs when available, for example.”

Health is a blessing that money can’t buy. Don’t allow financial worries to sweep it away.