How to Save Money on Health Care – Part 1
In this series of articles we give you some great tips on how to save money on health care.
Part 1 starts with the basics—how to improve your health and lower your bills. Save money and feel better at the same time!
Part 1: Improve Your Health
Eat a balanced, nutritious diet
A proper diet is the foundation of good health. A balanced, nutritional diet can help prevent many causes and symptoms of poor health, resulting in fewer doctors' visits and lower health care costs.
Exercise regularly
A regular exercise program is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight and keep you strong so you can fight off disease and infection before it takes hold. Even low-intensity exercise, such as walking, can have significant health benefits and could end up saving you money on health care costs.
Quit smoking
Numerous studies have shown the detrimental health effects of smoking. Smoking is responsible for the largest number of deaths in the U.S. according to a recent study of preventable causes of death. Another famous study, known as the British Doctors Study, demonstrated that smoking can decrease life expectancy by up to 10 years, and more than 50% of smokers die from diseases known to be smoking-related (such as cancer, heart disease, and stroke). Even smoking only 1–4 cigarettes per day has been associated with a significantly higher risk of dying from ischemic heart disease and other causes. Children are particular susceptible to the toxic effects of secondhand smoke. You should avoid smoking around your children and never smoke while pregnant.
The health care costs associated with smoking-related diseases are very significant and the increased health risks associated with smoking are likely to result in your insurer charging you significantly more for health insurance. Quit smoking now. Save your health and save your money!
Limit your alcohol intake
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and only consume alcoholic beverages in moderation. Never drink alcohol while you are pregnant, and know your limits – don't drink and drive.
Avoid sunburn
Excessive exposure to the sun can be dangerous. By avoiding sunburn, you will not only reduce your risk of skin cancer, but also decrease the chance of premature aging. Stay safe and look younger too!
When in the sun, be sure to cover up with clothing, and use an SPF 30 sun block. Don't forget to re-apply the sun block throughout the day, and ensure your kids are protected too.
If you're a woman over the age of 40, have a mammogram each year
A mammogram is an effective test used to detect cancerous masses or cists in the breasts. The cost of mammograms is normally covered by insurance. Early detection of a medical condition can prevent thousands of dollars in surgery and recovery. In addition to an annual mammogram, regular breast self-examination (BSE) is considered an essential part of every woman's health program.
