Page 46 - SFM DEC 2019 .indd

The Cost of Health
By Hannah Boyl

Did you know that lifestyle factors are one of the major contributors to chronic disease?
Did you know that you can change those lifestyle factors to decrease your risk of chronic
disease?
The four factors that impact chronic disease the most include physical activity, nutrition,
tobacco use, and alcohol use. These are all within our control.
One barrier to leading a healthy lifestyle can be the cost. Some claim that healthier foods
and gym memberships are too expensive. Other excuses include a lack of time, unsure of
what to do, and lack of resources.
We need to drop the excuses. As harsh as it may sound to some, that’s what they are,
excuses.

Here’s the reality:

Chronic conditions account for 70% of deaths among Americans.
45% of Americans are living with at least one chronic disease.
Average health care costs with a chronic condition are $6,032/year.
Those costs are 4x higher than those without a chronic condition.
Healthy foods don’t have to be expensive. There are strategies to purchasing healthful
foods including shopping produce that is in season, purchasing frozen fruits and vegeta-
bles, finding sale items, and using coupons.
Memberships to some gyms can be expensive depending on the type of training you
want to do, I won’t deny that. However, you don’t need a gym membership to get moving.
Just taking short breaks in your day to stand, go for a walk, or do a few squats can make a
significant difference in the number of calories you burn in a day and your health.
You don’t have time? Check your screen time on your smart phone. How many hours are
you spending scrolling through social media? How many hours a week are you choosing to
sit and watch Netflix? As I mentioned before, simply work in additional movement into your
current routine.
Unsure of what to do or lack of resources? There’s a plethora of information out there!
(Some better than others.) If you’re really interested in finding a quick workout or learn-
ing about a healthy diet, it’s out there. There are professionals out there (LIKE ME) that are
sharing quality health and fitness information through their social media accounts for FREE!
Now really stop and think…
Are the costs associated with chronic disease really worth saving a few dollars or not mak-
ing your health a priority right now?
I’m not about to give a budget lecture, but we really need to prioritize the things in our
lives and our lifestyles to figure out how to be smart about how we spend our time and mon-
ey.
You are in control of your health far more than you realize. Be honest with yourself,
what’s holding you back from leading a healthy lifestyle?
If you’re interested in investing in your health, I can help point you in the right direction.
Send me an e-mail at info@hannahrdn.com and follow me on Instagram (@HannahRDN_)
and Facebook (@HannahBoylRDN).

46 • Sports Finest Magazine DEC 2019 sportsfinestMagzine.com 989 545 0735 kelly@sportsfinestmagazine.com
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