Do you find it a challenge to be healthy on a budget?

We’re here to help you find simple ways to be healthier while taking care of your wallet.

1. Stop or identify a problem before it’s a bigger problem

Last week I went to the dentist, got a clean and check-up, which I do every 6 months.

Not only do I save my sanity without worrying about my teeth, long term prevention is generally a lot cheaper than an acute problem.

Undiagnosed dental issues can also increase your risk of other health problems such as cardiovascular disease and stroke. It’s also difficult to get in when you have an emergency.

Now maybe you need a check up with your GP, or with us, remember you’re not saving by putting it off!

2. Reduce alcohol (or nicotine) consumption

When people are stressed, alcohol can become a bit of a crutch. While it may feel like it’s helping ease the tension, excessive drinking (more than 10 standard drink per week) causes all kinds of health problems. And let’s not forget, it’s expensive and effectively costing your wallet, your waistline (in excess energy increasing weight gain) and your liver!

3. Discuss your medications with your GP (or the pharmacist)

If you need medication for any reason and the cost of medicine is eating into your budget, ask them if it’s the most budget conscious choice (or if there is something just as effective that’s cheaper).

4. Don’t self supplement

Ask advice from a health professional about your supplements (ensure they’re someone who knows about what you’re taking and why).

Australians spend up to 3 billion dollars on nutritional and dietary supplements every year.

There’s a lot of people taking things they don’t need.

For most people, focusing on a healthy diet is by far your best option, however there are times that supplements are helpful and they’re not all bad.

There are quality differences between products, it’s often better (and cheaper) to take one or two products than 20. By speaking to your prescriber, you will avoid taking things you don’t need.

5. Drink more water

Yes it’s almost free & many people have mild chronic dehydration, which long term makes you feel yuck, is especially hard on your kidneys and can even slow down your metabolism.

And Australians spend more on buying bottled water than most other countries in the world (even though we have some of the world’s best water).

If you don’t like water, consider buying a water filter if that will make it more desirable (but you need to use it). Or if you buy a lot of bottled water, buy a refillable water bottle (it will pay itself back quickly- if you use it).

Or add something to your water, herbs, cucumber, lemon, other citrus or fruits to keep it interesting.

6. And follow the advice

Same goes for following my dentists advice by brushing twice a day and flossing once a day.

7. Get enough sleep

It’s essential and it’s free. Sleep deprivation puts you at risk of many chronic health conditions (kidney & heart disease, stroke, obesity, depression) but also increases your risk of an acute injury (falls, car accidents).

And remember being sick or injured is expensive!

Time off work / school, appointments, medications, rehab equipment, scans, just to name a few.

So take good care and maintain your health, you will be better off for it.