Staying Healthy While Waiting on Health Care Reform to Kick In

Posted in Health Insurance

April 19th, 2010

Are you excited about Americas new health care reform? If you are one of the nearly 50 million Americans without health insurance, you may feel good about the prospect of finally getting a shot at affordable health care.

But what do you do in the meantime as you wait for lawmakers to work out all of the details? Probably the best thing you can do is get healthy and stay that way so that even when affordable health coverage is available, you wont have to use your money on deductibles, co-pays or other out-of-pocket expenses for doctors visits or hospital stays.

Good Health is Important in Todays Society

Its no secret that we live in a society that values fast food and fabulosity over fresh fruit, veggies and exercise. As a result, quick meals and outward beauty take precedence over our health, contributing to the many Americans we see teetering on one of two ends of the health spectrum: obesity or anorexia.

Obesity, in particular, has a huge effect on not just our health, but our health insurance. With two-thirds of Americans considered overweight or obese, medical insurance costs have skyrocketed to keep up with the number of people needing care.

Theres no doubt that getting healthy and staying that way is a great way to combat increasing health care expenses. By losing the weight and keeping it off by maintaining a healthy diet and exercising, millions of Americans could find that they will need to visit their doctors or purchase expensive prescription drugs less and less.

Tips for Avoiding Your Doctor until Youre Insured

There are a lot of great ways to help in your effort to steer clear of doctors until healthcare reform officially kicks in and youre able to obtain a health plan. Here are just a few to consider:

• Change your diet: Theres no doubt that the dollar menu at virtually every fast food restaurant is beyond tempting. But theres something to be said about eating the recommended fruit and vegetable intake of at least 4 cups. Fruits and vegetables have long been found to lower blood pressure while reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer. Even a glass of cranberry juice could make a big difference in keeping you healthy and lowering health costs.
• Exercise: The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that anyone under the age of 65 participate in moderately intense cardio 30 minutes a day, five days a week or do vigorously intense cardio 20 minutes a day, three days a week and do eight to 10 strength-training exercise, eight to 12 repetitions of each exercise twice a week to stay healthy.
• Take your vitamins: The daily intake of vitamins varies depending on the types of vitamins you take, but most experts recommend at least taking one multivitamin a day, seven days a week.

In addition to the above changes, making lifestyle adjustments (stop smoking, drinking, etc.) could make a big difference in your health. This way, you will not only take advantage of reduced health care costs, but also enjoy the inherent benefits of a healthy lifestyle.