Americans Skimp on Healthy Activities in Bad Economy

I had the TV on in the background last night as I was finishing up some work in my office when I heard they would be reporting on how Americans are skimping on their health based on our current "recession." The reporters talked about a survey put forth by the American Heart Association (http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnw/20090517/pl_usnw/americans_skimp_on_healthy_activities_in_bad_economy)where they questioned 1,000 people. Needless to say, the results were rather disturbing, yet not completely surprising. Highlights of the survey included the following statistics:

• 57 percent said the economy has affected their ability to take care of their health.


• 32 percent have made a change in the last six months to save money, such as delaying preventive care appointments, not taking medications or skipping the dentist.


• 25 percent of those with gym memberships have cancelled in the previous six months.


• 42 percent plan to make changes in the next six months that may impact their health, such as buying fewer fruits and vegetables.

One specific portion of the news segment showed a woman in the mid-west who said that if she only had 75 cents to give her daughter for lunch, her daughter "has to choose chips." I couldn't believe how dumb this mother sounded. Having gone food shopping the day before, I recall seeing bananas were 19 cents/each. If you pair that with a touch of natural p. butter you'd be spending the same, if not less. That was a sheer case of the mother being lazy, and undoubtedly uneducated/misinformed. The truth is, you CAN eat healthy on a budget, as proven by a recent Consumer Reports article: http://www.consumerreports.org/health/healthy-living/diet-nutrition/diets-dieting/dieting-on-a-budget/downturn-diet/dieting-on-a-budget-downturn-diet.htm.

Making proper nutrition choices and exercising doesn't have to cost a fortune. Walking outdoors and performing bodyweight exercises (push-ups, squats, lunges) are FREE.