As 2008 comes to a close, America finds itself in a bad situation. We are in a recession and some fear we may soon enter into a depression. And I am not speaking of the kind of depression that requires Prozac. I am speaking of the kind of depression that even has graduate degree holders waiting in bread lines.
In these times, many of you may be in danger of losing your job, your health insurance, or both. Some of you may have already lost them. Now, I am not trying to depress you. There is no need to be sad. Economies move in cycles and America will bounce back. However, things may get worse before they get better.
Become Recession-Proof
If you do not have any money or any health insurance, you cannot afford to get ill. You need to get and stay healthy for as long as you possibly can. How do you do that?
Buy my magic vitamins!!! They are made from exotic African fruits and berries. They prevent and cure all diseases. And you only have to pay 10 payments of $9.99!!!
I AM JOKING!!!
To recession proof your health, you should:
- Stop smoking
- Lose weight, and
- Get your age appropriate screening test done
Stop Smoking
Smoking is still the habit that causes the most preventable diseases in America. Smoking can cause:
- Many types of Cancer
- Many type of Lung Diseases and Breathing Problems
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Heart Attacks, and
- Strokes
These are all diseases that you cannot afford to get, at least not right now. Consider restarting your smoking habit when the economy improves. Joking!
You can find great advice on how to quit smoking permanently at WebMD’s Smoking Cessation Health Center.
Lose Weight
Carrying too much fat is the second leading cause of preventable diseases in America. Being overweight or obese will soon overtake smoking and assume the number one spot as the waist of Americans continue to increase. Excess body fat can cause many diseases including:
- Many types of Cancer
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Diabetes
- Metabolic Syndrome
- High Blood Pressure
- Arthritis
- Heart Attacks, and
- Strokes
These are all expensive diseases to treat.
Get Screened
Prevention is cheaper than cure and early cure is cheaper than late cure. If you do not prevent a disease, your best bet is to have it diagnosed early. By regularly having your age-appropriate screening test performed, you can catch a disease in its early stages. Some diseases you can screen for are:
- Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol
- Colon Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Cervical Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Metabolic Syndrome
Go to your health care provider and ensure that all of your age-appropriate screening tests have been performed. Examples of these test include:
- Blood Pressure
- Blood Glucose Test
- Lipid Profile
- Colonoscopy
- Fecal Occult Blood Test
- Clinical Breast Exam
- Mammogram
- Pap Test
- Prostate Specific Antigen Test
- Digital Rectal Exam
- Body Mass Index
Ride out this recession/depression with your health intact. Stop smoking, lose weight, and get your age-appropriate screening test done.
**Please consult your physician, registered dietitian, or certified fitness professional before starting or changing your diet or exercise program.**
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