Money and Health

How does money affect health? More affluent people are more likely to have access to healthcare, and regular medical check-ups are positively correlated with good health. People with higher incomes tend to eat more fruits and vegetables, and fewer fast foods.

Research has shown that the less money people have, the more likely they are to suffer from certain diseases, including Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. In low-income households, the rates of obesity, hypertension, and high blood pressure are often higher than average. A variety of factors are to blame, but the fact remains: Money makes it easier to stay healthy.

Money problems raise stress levels, and the more stress in your life, the more prone you are to disease. According to a recent Associated Press-AOL Health poll, people who say they suffer from high stress due to debt were much more likely to suffer from health problems than those who weren't dealing with money trouble.

On the other side of the ledger, money can't buy happiness. U.S. wealth per capita has soared in recent decades (if not in recent years), but Gallup and other surveys suggest Americans might not be any happier. Once you reach middle class status, the pursuit of money can even make you miserable. Make friends, not money!

SOURCES:
http://www.sparksavings.com/savings_article.asp?id=1422
http://www.usatoday.com/NEWS/usaedition/2012-08-02-Gross-national-happiness_CV_U.htm

FEEDBACK: CLICK HERE to email comments and feedback. Please note the title of the article or the author's name. Include your own name or type "name withheld" by request. Thoughtful responses will be published in our next edition.