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"Free" Money
How many of you would like some easy money?
Obviously, I'm trying to capture your attention with this title, but, no, this isn't a scam. I'd simply like you to stop and think about how you might be wasting a lot of money each year.
Consider the following:
Nationwide, Americans spend an average of $7026 per person annually on health care (2006 data). A study from the U. Virginia showed the mean healthcare costs averaged $1824/yr in normal-weight subjects, but increased dramatically to $4336/yr in overweight (BMI 25-29) and $4744/yr in obese (BMI 30 or greater) subjects. (Wolf AM, et al. 2008)
Further, 1 in 5 adults takes four or more medications per day. Older adults (ages 65 and up), fill 22 prescriptions per year. In 2007, a mind-boggling 51% of Americans were taking one or more prescription drugs for a chronic condition.
This doesn't have to be you....
It turns out that something as simple as going for a daily walk can prevent, and even reverse, some of these health problems, and, thus, reduce your annual expenses on health care. Consider the following:
- An Italian study showed that a 3-mile daily walk could reduce drug expenses in diabetics by $500/yr and reduce other health care expenses by $700/yr. (DiLorento C, et al. 2005)
- In another study, walking at least 150 min/week was more effective than metformin (a diabetes drug) in preventing the development of diabetes in patients with pre-diabetes. (Knowler WC, et al. 2002)
- Participants in BC/BS's "Healthy Lifestyle Choices" saved an average of almost $200/yr in health care costs.
So, the choice is simple: wouldn't you rather shell out $100-150 for a good pair of running shoes than spend hundreds, if not thousands, more on health care expenses?
Remember, AthleteInMe.com® is your exercise partner. Sign up for our Online Fitness & Wellness Counseling Service. Regular e-mails from one of our trainers will help keep you going towards a better state of health.
Stan Reents, PharmD
Editor In Chief
Certified Personal Trainer
Fitness & Wellness Coach
September 2010
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PDAthlete®
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