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24 May 2007 02:19 PM

Lower Health Care Costs with Exercise

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

My husband just got taken on full time at the place he is working. I am thrilled, because after three years as contractors this means we get to have full on health insurance again and no more hospital bills ringing in the $20,000 range (and no, I'm not kidding, that's what it cost us for his emergency appendectomy last year). We have been very fortunate that we haven't had excessive health care costs over the last few years, with small exceptions, because we didn't have insurance.

In January, we applied for and received an independent form of health insurance that carries a pretty premium, but hey, it's better than nothing and when my surgery came along it helped to offset the cost tremendously. So what does our health insurance have to do with your fitness? Simply put, if you exercise regularly you can actually lower your health care costs.

Regular Exercise Improves Your Health

No, doctors don't give you a discount because you are exercising. Instead, exercise strengthens your immune system. A stronger immune system means you are far more resistant to colds, flues and infections. It also means you get over colds and flues faster. This reduces the chances of developing a secondary infection. No infection also means fewer doctor visits.

Exercise also reduces stress and improves your self-image and personal strength. These are all immune boosters because the higher your stress, the more likely you are to sleep less, be less resistant to colds and so much more. So yes, regular exercise can actually lower your health care costs in the short term.

In the long term, regular exercise increases your cardio-pulmonary strength. Your heart health is improved as is your lung health and your circulation is improved. This means longer-term improved health benefits. So if you're looking for yet another good reason to exercise - check out the lower health care costs.

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Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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