1. PREVENT HEALTH ISSUES

The obvious way to avoid hefty medical bills is to stay healthy. While there seems to be a constant stream of new diets, pills and potions that promise to deliver good health for a price, staying healthy doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Here’s a wellness refresher:

-  Stay hydrated with water.

-  Stay nourished with good-quality fruits, vegetables, proteins (for example, lean meat, nuts and eggs), carbohydrates (wholegrain breads and brown rice) and beneficial fats (olive oil and avocado).

-  Minimise your intake of caffeine, alcohol, refined sugar and artificial 
food additives.

-  Get a good night’s sleep.

-  Be active every day.

-  Relax.

2. ATTEND TO SYMPTOMS

If you are feeling below par, attend to your health concerns before they become too serious. Quite often, niggling health complaints are ignored or denied for an extended time until what could have been easily rectified becomes a serious and possibly expensive condition to treat. Health signs you should not ignore include:

-  Menstrual problems. If you are experiencing pain or irregularities speak with your doctor.

-  Breathing problems. If you experience gasping or wheezing or difficulty catching your breath when you haven’t been exerting yourself see a doctor.

-  Digestive upsets. If you regularly experience diarrhoea or constipation or feel full after eating only small amounts, particularly if the symptoms last for more than two or three days, see a doctor.

-  Flashes of light. If you see flashes of light see a doctor immediately. It may be a sign that your retina is detaching.

-  Bleeding gums. If your gums bleed every time you brush your teeth you need to see a dentist.

-  Unexpected rapid drop in weight. While you might be pleased that you have lost weight without 
trying, you should see a doctor, as unexplained weight loss may indicate

a medical condition.

-  Constant feeling of lethargy. While many people complain that they feel tired, if it’s a struggle to get out 
of bed every morning, something could be wrong.

-  Persistent fever. If you have 
a fever, even if it’s low grade, that lasts 
for more than two weeks see a doctor.

-  Changes in mental status. If you don’t feel you are yourself speak with your doctor.

-  Constant cough. A cough that lasts longer than a couple of weeks should be checked by a doctor.

-  Frequent urination. If you get up three or four times in the night to go to the toilet you should speak with your doctor.

-  Vision problems. If there are any sudden changes see a doctor.

-   New or more severe headaches. Treating regular headaches could be as simple as getting glasses or slightly altering your diet. 
To eliminate the possibility of something more serious see a doctor.

-  Night sweats. Unless you are menopausal, night sweats are not normal.

3. HAVE REGULAR CHECK-UPS

While they may seem like an added expense at the time, regular check-ups can help you to avoid serious illness and therefore expensive medical bills and days off work. Things to check with a health practitioner may include blood pressure, vision and glaucoma, blood sugar, bone density, STDs, cholesterol and the following:

TEETH

Poor dental hygiene and tooth decay can lead to heart problems, bacterial infections and, in extreme cases, early death. Daily good dental health and an annual trip to the dentist are a must for everyone.

SKIN

The NSW Cancer Council recommends self-examining your skin regularly and seeing a doctor if you have: a new spot that is different from the spots around it; a spot, mole or unusual freckle that has changed in shape, size or colour; or a sore that doesn’t heal.

PAP TEST

A Pap test every one or two years is recommended for women who are sexually active and/or aged between 21 and 65. Make sure you are registered on the Pap test register in your country/state to receive a reminder about when you are due for your next Pap test.

MAMMOGRAM

A mammogram every one or two years is recommended for women over 40. All women should also self-check their breasts regularly. If you recognise any new or unusal changes, 
see your doctor. Some doctors also recommend breast checks by a GP for women over 30.

4. PURCHASE INSURANCE

There’s no denying that having private health insurance is expensive, particularly if you are in good health and don’t ever need to make a claim. However, the benefit is many health insurance funds now cover preventive healthcare, such as gym membership and massage.

Do your research when choosing private health cover. Health funds are constantly updating their programs and pricing structure. Be clear about what type 
of cover you need and make sure your level of insurance is well matched.

5. EDUCATE AND EMPOWER

It’s a good idea to understand how your body works and what it needs to function optimally. Educating yourself through books, courses, magazines and the internet can help you to feel empowered about your health.

Teaching your children about the importance of a healthy lifestyle is one of the best things you can do for them and your wallet. Encouraging your children to appreciate the difference between grabbing an apple or a chocolate bar is potentially setting them up for a life of good health. If your children have a healthy immune system you’ll probably spend less time visiting the doctor and take less days off work to care for sick children.

We’d like you, our readers, to drive the Spend Smart Live Well initiative and be an active part of it by sharing with the MiNDFOOD Community your ideas, thoughts, advice and life experience. 
So reach out and share with us that advice that could help others. Now is not the time to be modest – get online and send us your Smart Thinking thoughts and experiences. E: livewell@mindfood.com