Keeping healthy on a tight budget

We all worry about our health. Often times, I have wondered how I would be able to pay all my healthcare bills. What do we do if we are diagnosed with a terminal disease? How can we pay for our health bills without incurring unnecessary debt?  Well, sometimes we just may not be able to avoid those bills. However, we can try our best to reduce our debt burden.
First of all, we need to practice preventive care. We should be exercising and eating healthy portions. If you are unable to exercise regularly, try walking for at least 30 minutes a day. Easy activities include, taking a walk around the neighborhood and taking the stairs instead of riding the elevator.
In order to save money while practicing healthy eating, let’s try and make grocery lists before we go grocery shopping. And when we get to the store, let’s try and stick to the items on our list. So far, I have found it very hard to stick to my grocery list. But, I’m getting better so I think it will be beneficial for you to try. For additional savings, you could look in the newspapers and store flyers for the advertised weekly specials. Mind you, you need to focus on the things that you need, not your wants. Last week I was able to save over $100 off my grocery bill by clipping off coupons from the paper and by buying the ‘store advantage’ buys.  Also, I have found that the store-brands for products are mostly as good as the name brands. I mean the apple juice could taste a little bit watered down, but it’s the same nutrients right?
Although exercising and eating right are healthy habits, we need to protect ourselves with some form of insurance or payment plan. If you don’t qualify for any form of subsidized care, try enrolling in a low-income insurance program. You can enroll in a catastrophic health insurance plan. Such a plan will take care of your major medical and hospital expenses. Also, if you can afford to set aside a nest egg, please open a health savings account. This type of savings account is tax free and will be beneficial in the long run.
Whether you have health insurance or not, times are hard so let’s practice preventive care.
For advice on healthy eating and nutrition, check out http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/pyramid/
Posted by Akosua Boafo Appiah at 9/28/2009 7:27 AM
Categories: Lifestyle, Personal Finance
Tags: Finance Health Literacy Health Exercise Healthy Eating Budget
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