Cough! Sniffle. Achoo! The next few months mark the peak of cold and flu season. While there are plenty of reasons to stay healthy, maintaining good health can also mean big savings. For example, the health care costs for flu patients with a secondary infection can be over $6,000. On the other hand, the average flu vaccine costs less than $20, according to the CDC. Here are a few tips to help you stay healthy this year.
Go Hands-Free. If you need to sneeze or cough, grab a tissue or turn your head into the inside of your elbow. The majority of germs are spread from direct contact, so spending the few dollars on facial tissues can save you and those around you the cost of treatment of illness caused by the spread of germs.
Wash Up. As with using tissues for your sniffles, washing your hands is a very important way to prevent the spread of germs. Washing your hands also helps prevent you from picking up a bug from someone else. It is especially important after you blow your nose or cough into your hands. Invest a couple dollars in a travel bottle of hand sanitizer for those times when you don't have access to a sink.
Get Your Zzzs. In order for your body to fight off illness, it needs to have time to recharge. Getting adequate sleep – for most people eight hours – can help save you the productivity lost at work from illness or exhaustion.
It Pays to Exercise. Everyone knows that exercise is important for physical and mental health, but did you know that some employers offer reimbursement rewards of up to 30 percent of the total cost of health insurance to employees who meet requirements? Check with your employer to see if you can be rewarded for good health.
We all get sick from time to time, but taking preventative measures now can save you big down the road. Put your financial and fitness goals together and save money and your health!
Visit www.feedthepig.org for more money-saving tips.
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