Everyone knows what devastating effects the credit crisis can have on our bank accounts, but most are less aware of the effects it can have on our health. As threats of global recession are leading to mass hysteria, the stress of losing everything proves to be overwhelming for many.
But can the credit crunch actually make you sick? Recent research suggests it can. The stress of not being able to make ends meet is certainly a psychological burden, driving some individuals to drastic means (the shocking stories of shoplifting, violence, and even suicide come to mind), yet it can also take a physical toll. Excessive stress has been known to lead to an increase in headaches, stomach pains, increased vulnerability to bacteria and disease, not to mention problems with the heart and nervous system. The fact that the poor economy is also affecting the health sector is not a comforting thought either; however, it is important to be aware of these problems if we are to challenge them.
Various healthcare services (the NHS included) are hit hard by inflation, and the decrease in investments from private sectors and banks can hamper their ability to provide top-quality service to all. In a paper recently published by the British Medical Journal, John Appleby predicts that every 1% rise in inflation of interest rates will cost the NHS 380m every year, and that this will have the biggest repercussions from 2011 onwards. This is a major problem, as it is a vicious cycle: the credit crisis makes more people unwell, while at the same time the high demand for health services cannot be back up financially.
The reverberations of the economic downturn can also be felt on a more personal level. Winter tends to make us more susceptible to airborne bacteria and disease, and vulnerability is greatly enhanced by stress. As NetDoctors recent online poll suggests, one-fifth of the British population are getting fewer than five hours of sleep a night. This credit crunch insomnia, as the BBC calls it, is most frequently attributed excessive worrying about finances.
Although we might not be able to control where the crisis takes us next, we are still in control of our own good health. Simple techniques such as getting enough exercise, getting a few more Zs at night, and eating a well-balanced, varied diet may seem to be painstakingly obvious, and yet very few people make changes to their routines to prepare for winter. The seasons lingering darkness often brings down your mood and energy levels. It is important to recognize this, and adapt your routine to improve both health and happiness.
Osteopaths also promote various techniques to alleviate some of the pressure of financial problems. Massages (either professional ones from an osteopath employing pressure-points, or one from a friend or relative) are a great way to stimulate the blood flow and get circulation going in your tensest areas. This, combined with joint therapy their ability to provide tips on stress management and breathing exercises, makes an osteopath a good source to visit when the economic crisis deals a blow to your health.
While all our wallets are affected by the credit crunch, it is important to recognize that our health does not have to be. By taking good care of yourself and consulting the right experts, you can ensure that recession is limited to your bank account. - 16004
But can the credit crunch actually make you sick? Recent research suggests it can. The stress of not being able to make ends meet is certainly a psychological burden, driving some individuals to drastic means (the shocking stories of shoplifting, violence, and even suicide come to mind), yet it can also take a physical toll. Excessive stress has been known to lead to an increase in headaches, stomach pains, increased vulnerability to bacteria and disease, not to mention problems with the heart and nervous system. The fact that the poor economy is also affecting the health sector is not a comforting thought either; however, it is important to be aware of these problems if we are to challenge them.
Various healthcare services (the NHS included) are hit hard by inflation, and the decrease in investments from private sectors and banks can hamper their ability to provide top-quality service to all. In a paper recently published by the British Medical Journal, John Appleby predicts that every 1% rise in inflation of interest rates will cost the NHS 380m every year, and that this will have the biggest repercussions from 2011 onwards. This is a major problem, as it is a vicious cycle: the credit crisis makes more people unwell, while at the same time the high demand for health services cannot be back up financially.
The reverberations of the economic downturn can also be felt on a more personal level. Winter tends to make us more susceptible to airborne bacteria and disease, and vulnerability is greatly enhanced by stress. As NetDoctors recent online poll suggests, one-fifth of the British population are getting fewer than five hours of sleep a night. This credit crunch insomnia, as the BBC calls it, is most frequently attributed excessive worrying about finances.
Although we might not be able to control where the crisis takes us next, we are still in control of our own good health. Simple techniques such as getting enough exercise, getting a few more Zs at night, and eating a well-balanced, varied diet may seem to be painstakingly obvious, and yet very few people make changes to their routines to prepare for winter. The seasons lingering darkness often brings down your mood and energy levels. It is important to recognize this, and adapt your routine to improve both health and happiness.
Osteopaths also promote various techniques to alleviate some of the pressure of financial problems. Massages (either professional ones from an osteopath employing pressure-points, or one from a friend or relative) are a great way to stimulate the blood flow and get circulation going in your tensest areas. This, combined with joint therapy their ability to provide tips on stress management and breathing exercises, makes an osteopath a good source to visit when the economic crisis deals a blow to your health.
While all our wallets are affected by the credit crunch, it is important to recognize that our health does not have to be. By taking good care of yourself and consulting the right experts, you can ensure that recession is limited to your bank account. - 16004
About the Author:
Andrew Mitchell, clinical director of the Osteopath Network, writes papers about musculo-skeletal conditions and Norwich Osteopaths. The Osteopath Network has more than 550 clinics located throughout the UK and offers treatment at weekends and after hours.
