Health Improvements Emerge from a Sick Economy
Sacrifices and Hard Work Pay Off Physically and Mentally
May 8, 2009
Bicycle sales soared in the U.S. when gas prices rose to over $4.00 a gallon during the summer of 2008. People grumbled at the sore muscles, but the end result of all that cycling was improved cardiopulmonary function for many otherwise "idle" Americans. As circulation improved, psychological changes took a turn for the better. More and more people gained a new outlook on life. Is the recession improving the health of U.S. citizens?
Health Improvements during the Recession
The online site, Bottom Line Secrets, posted the article, "Why the Recession Helps Our Health" (May 2009). Dr. Christopher Ruhm, PhD, from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, states, " ... many measures of physical health actually improve as the economy declines." Dr. Ruhm goes on to explain that fewer automobiles on the road mean less air pollution, and less income means fewer dollars spent on tobacco products and alcohol. What other health-related improvements are emerging from the depths of financial destruction?
- Hyperparenting is on the decline. Household budgets are strained to the max, and that means cutting out after-school lessons and sports activities. Parents are trying to find jobs, and are too busy to structure every hour of a child's day.
- Kids are experiencing the value of free time. Children suddenly have free time to tap creative energy.
- Fewer vehicles mean fewer accidents. The number of accidents declines even more when one considers the number of drivers still on the road that can't afford to drink.
- People are eating healthier. Home-grown vegetables cut grocery bills, but the benefits extend beyond the cost factor. Organic gardening eliminates the harmful effects of pesticides and there is no risk of salmonella poisoning that can accidentally occur during commercial processing.
- Self-Help book sales are increasing. Dr. Ruhm mentions, in the same article, that when times are hard, people turn to the one thing they can control – themselves.
Family Life Improves during Hard Times
As the hard financial times continue, American families are finding ways to survive.
- Families are opting for inexpensive fun. Picnics, an afternoon in the park, swimming, camping, and trips to the beach are but a few free fun ideas.
- Vacations are becoming less stressful. New concepts in vacations include haycations – or farm stays. Staycations are vacations where people take advantage of local attractions instead of taking a long-distance vacation. Some families even opt for volunteer vacations.
- Home businesses are on the rise. Self-sufficiency gives one confidence and improves self image. People are finding all sorts of innovative ways to make money without having to depend on a company paycheck. As a bonus, children see first-hand what hard work and self-discipline are all about, and they might even learn new skills, as well.
Americans are finding new and innovative ways to counteract the hard times brought on by the economic crisis. Cutting back has forced people to work harder, and the hard work is beginning to yield results in both personal accomplishment and improved health. Children that once had everything handed to them are now relying on their own abilities and creative talents. Parents and singles are turning to self-improvement guides to get on track again. Whether it's spending more time at home with the children or building a business from the ground up, survival has taken on new appeal, promoting better health for many individuals and families.
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