With healthcare, medications and insurance costs rising, it isn’t surprising that people are trying to figure out ways to avoid getting sick and choosing a better lifestyle to lower health insurance costs. There is actually quite a bit you can do to help save some cash. Mostly, it’s just a matter of tweaking ones lifestyle choices and preventing health issues from arising and keeping the immune system strong so you don’t get sick often. For those who are seriously sick of high medical premiums and paying skyrocketing costs year-round for doctor’s visits and prescriptions, this should be a great thing. Little things make a big difference when it comes to your health.

1) Stop smoking is the biggest one. Not only do you get sick more often than the average person, it gets worse. Many smokers are treated for several bouts of bronchitis and pneumonia each year. Smoking also makes you susceptible to colds and other infections. You will also pay a higher premium on your insurance and in some cases won’t get full coverage for cigarette related illnesses or diseases. Plus the money you save on quitting smoking can go to bigger and better things than your medical issues.

2) Eliminate or minimize alcohol use. In addition to being completely void of nutrition, alcohol lowers your immune system defenses. People who consume more than 3-4 alcoholic beverages in a week are at far greatest risk of catching a viral or bacterial infection. Even if you do most of your drinking at home where you are safe from others germs, you still are very susceptible. Once the immune system has lowered its defenses you are risk anywhere you have to go and even in your home if you live with others who leave the house. Drinking excess alcohol can also lead to other very expensive health issues, such as alcoholism, addictions and liver disease. To be diagnosed and treated for chronic liver problems can be very expensive to say the least. Not to mention once you have liver disease, getting medical insurance with another company will be very difficult and costly for a pre-existing condition. Plus current insurance premiums will most likely increase now that you have a chronic condition.

3) Eat a nutritious and healthy diet to maintain your body’s strength and vitality. The type of foods one puts in their mouth can be the difference between life and death in some cases. Eating right and getting all the nutrients and vitamins can severely reduce the risk of many diseases. Cutting out fatty, fried foods can keep your heart and circulatory system strong and healthy, and lower your risk of a heart attack and/or stroke. The vitamins and minerals found in fresh whole foods also promote a strong immune system, which can help keep you infection free more often. Just adding more zinc to your diet can help boost your immune system enough to prevent catching colds and the flu. Concentrate your diet on mostly fresh, preferably organic, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and natural grains and eliminate processed foods (most anything in box, wrapper or served in a restaurant) Look for natural whole food snacks and foods.

4) Get plenty of exercise and activity. The better condition and tone your body is in, the less likely you are to get sick or have weight related health issues. It is very important to get exercise to keep your body happy and healthy, and prevent your funds from going to unneeded and undesired medical treatments. Regular and consistent exercise can help prevent heart related health problems later on in life with will be a great cost savings as well. It promotes a better circulatory system and a stronger heart muscle. Exercise also promotes better oxygen intake, which helps the lungs be more efficient. Increased oxygen also aids in better metabolism and can keep weight in check and reduce other illnesses like diabetes and asthma. You don’t need to go to a gym or buy lots of exercise equipment, just a simple and quick home fitness program will work well.

5) Make sure you have time or make time for rest and relaxation. Keeping healthy also includes staying happy with a positive outlook on life. Reduce your stress, get plenty of sleep each night, and set aside leisure time. It is important to enjoy life and do things that ease tension and promote happiness. Fun and proper rest can cut down the risk of developing mental issues such as depression or anxiety that can cost a great deal of money in treatment and control of the disorder. Having a balance in ones life can really promote clarity and great mental health. Being burnt out or stressed out is associated with many disorders such as depression, anxiety, ulcers and other digestion issues, headaches and insomnia. All of these ailments, and others, that can be prevented will save you money on doctors visits, medication, tests and treatments.

By following these suggestions you can choose a low cost health insurance plan with a large deductible knowing that you are covered in an emergency and save significantly on monthly insurance premiums.

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• Health Insurance versus Discount Plans
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• How to Get Group Health Insurance Rates as an Individual

This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 31st, 2007 at 10:57 pm and is filed under Health Insurance, Prevention. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.