Economy takes toll on workers' health

05.28.09
By Sarah Beldo

Worries about retirement planning, falling house values, paying off credit card debt and meeting other financial responsibilities are negatively affecting Americans' health, a new poll suggests.

According to a survey by the National Business Group on Health, stress related to the economic downturn is taking a toll on workers' mental and physical wellbeing, with 40 percent saying their anxiety levels have increased since the recession.

The economy has also had an impact on people's healthcare choices. The findings reveal that more than one-quarter (27 percent) of respondents say they have avoided medical treatment to save money and 20 percent have scaled back their prescription drug use.

"These data confirm that the widespread economic anxiety is cascading onto individual workers' health and wellbeing," commented Helen Darling, president of the NBGH.

Indeed, the link between money worries and health has been well documented. Even when people continue their usual healthcare routine, the stress of worrying about debt may have physical consequences.

"A study of a large number of new credit counseling clients found they reported poorer health than the general population," consumer advocate Gerri Detweiler noted to Forbes.

Still, there may be a positive side to the financial and healthcare crises, as more people focus on ways to improve their own situations and those of their families.

For example, the NBGH survey also showed that more than half of respondents are making healthy behaviors - such as diet and exercise - more of a priority than last year. Darling called the current environment "a teachable moment" for demonstrating the importance of taking care of yourself.

In the same way, today's consumers may be more aware of the consequences of their behavior and more motivated to reevaluate their financial health, looking for ways to raise their credit score and dig themselves out of debt once and for all.

More Economic Crisis Articles | More Experts Articles | News Home | Discuss in our Forum

Anxiety levels have increased since the recession.