You and your employees are all in the same boat. Doctor bills, pediatrician bills, dental bills, hospital bills, drug bills, eye doctor bills, chiropractor bills, bills, bills, bills; you name it. Everyone is getting squeezed. So how can you cope? What can you do? Since you are paying the price in ever rising insurance premiums, a good start involves being proactive about your own health and then paying it forward to improve the health of your employees.
Just don't get sick!
Not so easy though. There are genetics, environmental issues and lack of good health information that you have to take into consideration. But here are ten healthy ideas you can use at home and in the workplace that can impact your stamina, concentration, pain, mood, and resistance.
1. Put only good things in your body. That means consuming plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and pure water. Stay away from sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and refined carbohydrates which can pack on the pounds and tend to make you more vulnerable to bacterial and viral infections that thrive on the sugars.
2. Take out the bad. We are all exposed daily to so many toxic chemicals and pollutants that are in our food, air, water, personal care items, and even cleaning products. Our brain and vital organs are acting like filters and getting all clogged up. Driving out these toxins keep our immune system healthier and give us more stamina, better concentration, refreshing sleep, and clear thinking. Some of the best ways to get the “junk out” are far infrared saunas, body massage, herbal teas, and detoxifying baths.
3. Stop Smoking. It is common knowledge that smoking is associated with a multitude of diseases including heart disease, lung diseases, and cancer. Cigarette smoking contributes to periodontal disease costing you thousands in dental bills, pain, and unsightliness. There are smaller babies born prematurely from mothers who smoke during pregnancy. Do yourself and anyone else who is breathing in that second-hand smoke a favor: get help if you need it, but stop smoking ASAP.
4. Get plenty of exercise. Some people think that exercise is getting up from the couch to get a beer between TV commercials. Seriously, regular moderate exercise is of tremendous importance in staying healthy. Blood flows faster giving nourishment to your vital organs and taking away waste products. More oxygen to the brain actually makes you think more clearly and the endorphins released during exercise help to put you in a good mood. Combining aerobic exercise like running, brisk walking, or biking with a toning or muscle building activity using weights or machines builds strength as well as stamina.
5. Maintain good dental health. As seen more frequently in the media, the medical profession now understands the important dental connections to overall health. Gum disease is now recognized as a risk factor for heart disease and stroke as well as premature births and low birth weight babies. Periodontal infections have consequences for diabetes, pulmonary infections especially following surgeries. Tooth infections, bite imbalances, and dental filling materials can contribute to headaches, neurological disturbances, and even allergies. When you pay attention to your dental health, your overall health improves and you can actually lower your healthcare costs!
6. Reduce stress and anxiety. It seems like everyone is stressed to some degree but it’s how you deal with the stress that really affects your health. Excessive pressure and tension place an unnatural demand upon every cell in your body. Taking medications for dealing with stress really only masks the symptoms and may have problematic side effects. Trying more natural methods such as biofeedback, meditation, homeopathic remedies, acupuncture, guided imagery, and sleep therapies may allow you to wean off those very potent drugs.
7. Do your own research. Become an informed consumer and patient. Research the diagnosis and suggested treatments and be aware of the possible reactions. Then from an educated perspective, ask your health practitioner questions about treatment options and consequences of choosing one treatment over another.
8. Take responsibility for your own health. Drugs and surgeries can help put out fires and save your life, but if you don’t like feeling dependent, then you better learn how to take better care of yourself. It is so much easier and less expensive to prevent health problems than it is to treat them.
9. Get plenty of rest. Sleep is the time when the body schedules itself for repair. Avoid alcohol consumption before retiring. Your sleep will be interrupted a few hours later when the alcohol turns to sugar followed by a drop in insulin. If you have trouble falling asleep, read something that won’t excite or disturb you. Tryptophan in heated milk can also promote slumber.
10. Obtain appropriate health insurance. If you are lucky to be able to afford or have your employer provide you with health insurance, then do your homework. A lot of these plans have limitations and exclusions that may limit your choice of practitioner or service. If you are health conscious and infrequently require medical care, or if you use alternative medicine, or need dental treatment but haven’t been able to afford it, it’s worth looking into the less expensive Consumer Directed Health Insurance Plans (HSA, HRA, FSA). These tax-advantaged plans are a combination of high deductible major medical insurance coverage and a savings plan that give you control over your health decisions and dollars. Check it out.
So here you have it: Living a healthier life and lower your healthcare costs at the same time... What a concept!
Dr. Vincent DiLorenzo and Dr. Andrea Brockman are principals of T-Horizons, LLC, a brokerage firm specializing in Consumer Directed Health Care Solutions for families, individuals, and employers to help lower healthcare costs at home and the workplace. Visit www.t-horizons.com
You and your employees are all in the same boat. Doctor bills, pediatrician bills, dental bills, hospital bills, drug bills, eye doctor bills, chiropractor bills, bills, bills, bills; you name it. Everyone is getting squeezed. So how can you cope? What can you do? Since you are paying the price in ever rising insurance premiums, a good start involves being proactive about your own health and then paying it forward to improve the health of your employees.