Healthy and Wealthy!

It’s no surprise that stable income and budgets mean less stress – which helps keep health on track.

But financial wellbeing affects us more emotionally and physically than we might realize.

Studies show there’s a direct link between financial and physical wellbeing. Money issues can affect health immediately (through stress) and in the future, like foregoing doctor check-ups to save money.

Wendy Boglioli, Olympic medalist and Genworth Financial spokeswoman, knows from experience.

“As an Olympian, I can have strong biceps and triceps, but if my core is not in shape I won’t perform well,” she says. The same goes for finances. “When things

are out of whack financially, we can make mistakes that will wreak havoc on us today and down the road.”

Rocky finances have been shown to result in headaches (44 percent vs. 15 percent for those with lower financial stress levels), depression, muscle tension or lower back pain and ulcers, according to a poll conducted by the Associated Press and AOL.

Experts say healthy financial planning includes having a will, life insurance and a retirement fund.

Long-term care needs arising from disease or old age can be managed with minimal stress through financial planning.

“My dad, who was my Olympic coach, said, ‘Control the things you can and let go of the rest,’” she continues. “When you have financial control, you feel so much better.”

Bonus PINK Link: Are you prepared for the unexpected? Find out here.

Have you experienced a health issue due to finances? and let us know. 

By Julia Turner

“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” World Health Organization