October 2014

“I want to eat better, but I just can’t afford it.” Does that sound like something you’ve said or thought recently? Healthy eating can seem more expensive, but in the long term, it’s not. Good nutrition at any point in your life can help keep you healthy so you don’t need to pay as much for medical care or life insurance.

It Starts with “Eating for Two”

You probably already know the value of nutrition if you’re pregnant. You want to make sure your baby has all of the necessary nutrients for growth and development.

Maintaining a normal weight before conception and gaining the right amount of weight during pregnancy is another component.

Eating well can save money because it reduces the risk of premature delivery, low birth weight, and health conditions that require expensive care for your baby. It also reduces your risk of having complications. If you’re a father, eating right and staying healthy can keep you active and able to support your family whether you’re at home or working.

Likely Long-Term Cost Savings from Healthy Eating

Nutrition affects your risk for all kinds of chronic diseases. When you get the nutrients you need and avoid gaining extra pounds, you’re at lower risk for chronic conditions. These are some of the costs that many people can avoid by eating healthy.

* Prescription medications to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
* Trips to the hospital and recovery time for bone fractures from osteoporosis.
* Blood sugar monitoring devices and medications for diabetes.

Lower Life Insurance Premiums

Being healthy is also going to save you when you’re looking for health insurance. Health insurance rates are based on the likelihood that something will happen to you. Many health conditions can bump up your premiums. These are some of the conditions that increase your risk of dying and that you can help prevent with a healthy diet.

* Heart disease and risk factors such as high cholesterol.
* Diabetes.
* Obesity.
* High blood pressure.

Fresh, nutritious foods may be more costly than junk foods, but they’ll save you money in the long run. They help you manage your weight and get the nutrients you need so that you can avoid expensive medical care and keep your life insurance costs down.

You’re not alone if you shy away from the doctor’s office, but you’re not doing yourself any favors by avoiding the doctor. Working with a trustworthy doctor can help you follow better health behaviors. It can also help you detect and treat health conditions early instead of suffering serious consequences later.

Why You Should Find a Good Doctor When You’re Healthy

You may think that you don’t need to worry about finding a good primary doctor if you don’t have any current health concerns now. In reality, that’s the best time to find a doctor because you’re not in a rush. Make an appointment with a primary care physician.

When you meet your doctor, think about whether you feel comfortable talking to him or her. Developing a communicative relationship with your doctor when you’re healthy can make the process easier for both of you should you get sick. It’s also a good time to ask whether you can make any lifestyle changes to improve your health.

Regular Physical Exams Can Prevent Major Problems

Your age, gender, and health history affect recommendations for how often you should have a physical and get routine tests done. These health screenings can identify minor concerns so you can treat them before they turn into serious medical conditions.

For example, changes in your diet and exercise patterns may be able to treat unhealthy cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar if you catch them early. If you wait, you might be stuck with medications and progression to diseases such as heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes. Regular cancer screenings, such as prostate for men and breast for women, are another example.

Positive Effects on Life Insurance

Life insurance premium depend on your risk of dying before the policy term is over. When you stay healthy, your rates are lower. Simple steps such as keeping your cholesterol levels and blood pressure in check help you stay in the lower-risk, lower-rate categories. You can do this by going to your doctor and following orders. Not everyone goes to the doctor as often as recommended, but it’s a good idea.

Finding a doctor that you trust and getting a regular physical can go a long way towards staying healthy and fighting disease if it comes.