Stressed Out? Jobless? How to Maintain Optimal Health on a Tight Budget

BodyLogicMD offers solutions for managing stress during tough economic times

Boca Raton, Fla. - July 8, 2009 - The major stress Americans are experiencing as a result of job losses and shrinking net worth is having a serious impact on their health and home life. According to a May 2009 Pew Research Center study, 58% of survey respondents aged 45 to 64 said that the recession has caused stress in their families. A recent Natural Marketing Institute survey noted that since the downturn, 33% of those polled reported buying less healthy food, and 23% of them are gaining weight. A whopping 75% also fear that a major health crisis will destroy their financial security.

The connection between health and financial security is significant, and the harsh economy is taking a physical and mental toll on many Americans” said Dr. Alicia Stanton, chief medical officer of BodyLogicMD, the largest national network of expert anti-aging physicians. “When you add the challenges of hormone imbalance - including adrenal fatigue, menopause and andropause - to the extreme stress that’s crushing men and women these days, you have a very dangerous public health situation that’s affecting the quality of life of millions of Americans over the age of 40.”

Financial constraints have forced Americans to cut back on gym memberships, organic food, vitamins, even medications needed to manage chronic illnesses. So what can the cash strapped do to maintain optimal health, reduce stress, and keep the body in balance? Dr. Stanton offers these tips for staying healthy on a tight budget:

  • Eat protein every four hours. Low cost, nourishing, high protein foods in small portions will keep your energy level high and your blood sugar even. Think canned tuna and salmon, egg whites, chicken, turkey, canned or dried beans, and low fat cheese and dairy products.
  • Drink more water. Staying hydrated is important for many reasons. But weaning yourself off of expensive, high calorie, sugary sodas, coffee drinks, energy drinks, and powdered mixes and replacing them with water will save you lots of money, too. Drinking water also promotes weight loss and regularity, which will certainly improve your mood and help you feel better.
  • De-stress on the cheap. Minimizing stress helps keep your body resistant to illness and your mind clear and focused. Yoga and meditation are perfect, and you can practice them at home. Not your thing? Read a book – fun or fantasy to help you escape – or take a bath, light some candles, and put on your favorite music. Get your exercise in by going for a walk alone or with friends.
  • Unplug. Cell phones, PDAs, computers, and other devices keep us connected 24/7. Set a time each day to turn them all off and wind down. Reconnect with your loved ones by having an actual conversation minus electronic interruptions, or just make time to be alone with your thoughts.

Managing stress, maintaining good health, and keeping the body’s delicate hormones in balance using bioidentical hormone therapy is all about adopting good habits and staying in tune with your body,” Dr. Stanton says. “The fact that everyone’s budgets are tight these days does not mean their health has to suffer. A little planning can result in healthy new habits for eating and managing stress that will keep you sane, well-nourished, and ready for your next opportunity.”


About BodyLogicMD

BodyLogicMD is currently featured as an expert resource on Oprah.com; Suzanne Somers’ latest book, Breakthrough: Eight Steps to Wellness, lists BodyLogicMD as an expert source and her book, Ageless: The Naked Truth About Bioidentical Hormones dedicates an entire chapter to BodyLogicMD. BodyLogicMD was also featured in BusinessWeek’s March 2006 cover story.

Subscribe to BodyLogicMD’s YouTube channel and watch over 100 videos about hormone therapy and symptoms of hormonal imbalance.

Want to stay up to date on the latest news and views about bioidentical hormone therapy? Subscribe Here to BodyLogicMD’s bioidentical hormone therapy blog.

Media and bloggers: contact Jill Swartz @ jswartz@bodylogicmd.com

Contact A Physician

Contact Physician