Financial Woes Can Add To Health Concerns (NAPSA_—Financial problems may have an effect on the health of women andtheir families. That’s one of the key findings of a new survey that indicates many women havefailed to seek health care for themselves or their families to save money. Findings also indicate that many women say their health has gotten worse over the past five years and that the primary cause womencite for this decline is stress. “Today’s financial crisis and increasing health costs are clearly impacting women’s decisions around health care, and their physical and emotional wellbeing,” said Elizabeth Battaglino Cahill, RN, executive director of National Women’s Health Resource Center (NWHRC), which commis- sioned the survey. “It’s hard to stay calm and relaxed given our hectic lives—even in the best of times. But women need to understand that skimping on health care to save them money may cost them more in the long run.” Conducted by Harris Interactive, the fourth annual, national Women T.A.L.K. survey found a significant number of women A recent survey found that finan- cial problems may havean effect on women’s health and the health of their families. * More than 40 percent of women report their health has declined over the past five years and the most common reasons given for this were stress and weight gain. * At the same time, a solid procedures and medication for themselvesor their families. The study also showed that while women were mostlikely to put off doctor visits for themselves, they were least likely to put off doctor visits for their children. majority of women reported a willingness to makelifestyle changes —such as improving their diet, exercising or eliminating smoking—if it would help lower their health care costs. “Long-term stress and weight gain can significantly increase women’s risk for other health problems,” said Battaglino Cahill. “Women need help in managing stress and part of that equation is good nutrition and regular exercise. There are many simple, nocost steps they can take to manage stress, including eating better, exercising, deep breathing, meditation and organizing and prioritizing activities.” likely to have skipped health care in the past year. Managing stress, visit www.healthywomen.org/wellness. report making sacrifices in order to reduce their expenditures on health care and that their health is declining. Nearly half of women have failed to seek medical care in the past year because the cost was too high. This includes skipping doc- tor’s visits, recommended medical Hispanic women were most For more tips on
