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Health and Economy – The Effect of the Economic Crisis on Chronic Illness Sufferers
By Verria Kelly, the Good Health Coach
You don’t have to look far to see the effects our economy is having on the lives of Americans. What may not be so apparent are the potentially life-threatening effects economic hardship can have on the immune system of those that are chronically ill. There is a definite relationship between health and economy. For the chronically ill population, a rough economy means more than just watching their pocketbooks. 
Everyone is stressed out due to economic troubles. Prices are high and, for millions of Americans, jobs are very hard to keep, much less find. But if you’re chronically ill, you have the additional effect of stress and all that comes with it. This can mean anything from an increase in the degree or frequency of your symptoms, to sleep loss, to an increase in using junk food as a coping mechanism. All of these can have life-threatening effects on your immune system, which in turn can cause your illness to worsen.
You can regain control of your health during these hard times by following these tips:
- Eat more whole foods. This will counter the effects of any cravings you may experience as a result of coping with stress.
- Lean on your support circle. Now is the perfect time to wrap yourself in your support circle. Confiding in friends, family or other chronic illness sufferers will help you get through these difficult times.
- Consider increasing your supplements. This holds true especially if you’re taking something that helps you deal with stress. You may find that you need a little extra boost to counter the negative effects on your body.
- Spend time with yourself. Having a support circle is great, but don’t forget to spend time with yourself doing things that you enjoy. There are many things that don’t cost anything. Take a bubble bath. Read a book. Go to a park. Treat yourself with kindness.
- Breathe. As simple as it sounds, you’d be surprised of how much regular deep breathing can help regulate your body.
If you suffer from a chronic illness, you must try to avoid unnecessary stress and depression; that will only make your condition worse. View these tough times as an exercise in learning how to cope. Eat more whole foods, lean on your support circle, spend more time with yourself, and set aside time to breathe deeply and relax each day. Your symptoms may not improve, but if you keep your stress level under control, then your symptoms won't get any worse.
Read more articles or view my tip sheets.
About the Author: This article was written by Verria Kelly, the Good Health Coach. Verria has over 15 years of experience battling mystery symptoms, misdiagnosis and chronic illness. Verria helps those that are frustrated with health challenges take control of their health and regain freedom in their lives. Her web site is a comprehensive resource with free articles and valuable information for those suffering from mystery symptoms, misdiagnosis, chronic illnesses or those that are simply sick and tired of being sick and tired. Visit her web site at http://www.goodhealthcoach.com , or email her at verria.kelly@goodhealthcoach.com
Health and the Economy – The Effect of the Economic Crisis on Chronic Illness Sufferers© Verria Kelly 2009. All rights reserved.
Author's note: You're welcome to use this article as content for your own ezine or web site! Just make sure that the article remains complete and unaltered (including the "About the author" info and copyright line at the end), and that you send a copy of your reprint to verria.kelly@goodhealthcoach.com.
 
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