Health and Wealth

We all know that good health can positively affect us both physically and emotionally. But it can also have an impact in our financial well-being. In fact, studies have shown that healthy people are able to work more and be more productive, thus being more likely to be successful. Healthy people also tend to be happier and more confident in themselves, which can also breed success. Good health brings a positive outlook and, hopefully, good fortune. Investing in your health is well worth it. Here are a few simple tips to a healthier and wealthier life:

1.Utilize preventative medicine and tests to determine health risks early, and fend off future health and financial burdens. Recommended tests include body mass index, blood pressure check, gynecological exam, and physical exam.

2.Men and women over age 40 and 50, respectively, should talk to a doctor about taking a daily dose of aspirin to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. It can cost as low as 10 cents a day.

3.Flossing helps to prevent gum disease, which can add 21% more to your healthcare costs than someone with healthy gums.

4.Try to get 7-9 hours of sleep every night, and try to develop a routine of going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. Lack of sleep increases your risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. You're also less likely to catch a cold if you get more sleep.

5.Exercise for 30 minutes a day to reduce risks of obesity, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and many other illnesses. Even a brisk walk or a jog can help.

6.Quit smoking to save up to $5 a day and live long enough to see retirement.

Just as your health can affect your financial life, so can your financial problems affect your health. When you've got less money, you're more likely to think about your personal finances than your health and fitness. Stress and depression can occur in tough financial times, making it hard to get motivated. Situations like these make it all the more important to stay active, healthy, and in a positive frame of mind to dig yourself out of financial hardship. A healthy diet, home workouts, and running/jogging are excellent and affordable ways to stay in shape. Some healthy choices will cost you, like better food or a gym membership. If you choose to spend in those areas, try to reduce spending on other frivolous or unhealthy habits. This way, you can invest in your health and wealth at the same time.

Before starting any health and exercise regimen, you should consult your physician.

ABOUT ACCC: American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to empowering consumers to regain control of their lives through education, counseling and debt management. ACCC provides individuals with practical solutions for solving financial problems and recognizes that consumers' financial difficulties are often not the result of poor spending habits, but more frequently from extenuating circumstances beyond their control. As one of the nation's leading providers of financial education and credit counseling services, ACCC works with consumers to help them with the best plan of action to reduce their debt and regain financial stability. For more information or to access free financial education resources log on to http://www.consumercredit.com