Recommend this page to a Friend

People are taking less care of their health as a result of the nation’s economic downturn by skipping doctor and dentist appointments, medications, and canceling gym memberships, according to the results of a new national survey.

The survey results spell trouble for Americans’ overall well-being and heart health in particular, said Dr. Timothy Gardner, president of the American Heart Association, which conducted the study.

Among the survey findings:

• 32 percent have made a change in the last six months to save money, such as delaying preventive care appointments, not taking medications or skipping the dentist.
• 25 percent of those with gym memberships have cancelled in the previous six months.
• 42 percent plan to make changes in the next six months that may impact their health, such as buying fewer fruits and vegetables.

"We’ve made dramatic gains in recent years in our fight against heart disease and stroke, but trends like these threaten to reverse these gains," said Gardner. "We need to remind people that even in hard times their health is important. Physical activity, in particular, is an easy, inexpensive way for people to prevent heart disease and manage their stress — another byproduct of a tough economy."

The association encourages walking since it is the most accessible form of physical activity and it has the lowest drop out rate among Americans. The association supports the federal government’s recently revised guidelines for physical activity, which focus more on a cumulative amount of activity over a week, rather than a specific amount each day.

"The message now is that physical activity can be worked in any time, anywhere," said Gardner. "The important thing is to make sure you are getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. We encourage people to incorporate regular walking into their normal routines, such as during the work day."

The association has recognized nearly 1,000 companies during the past two years as "fit-friendly," meaning they champion the health of their employees and offer opportunities for wellness at work.

Cardiovascular disease continues to be the nation’s leading cause of death, with direct and indirect costs estimated to be $475.3 billion, the association said. The savings that individuals can attribute to regular exercise not only impact their own wallets, but also those of the nation and their workplace.

Address: American Heart Association National Center, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231; (800) 242-8721, www.americanheart.org.