How the “recession” affects your health

I’ve been hearing talks about this so called recession and took some time to really step back and take a look at the bigger picture. So here are my general observations:

• People still need to drive to work, but gas prices remain high (probably about 30-40% higher than “normal”). This dips into a person’s discretionary income.
• High gas prices increase the cost of almost all types of goods we purchase due to shipping. This increase dips into a person’s discretionary income.
• People spend most of their income on taxes, shelter, food and transportation.
• Most lenders are tightening up on loans, so the average person is finding it difficult to secure a mortgage for a home. Because there’s a high demand for rental properties, property owners hike up the prices for rent. This dips into a person’s discretionary income.
• People shy away from doing or buying “fun” things. Novelty shops and retail outlets are having to cut back on employees. Without a job, you hardly have any income.

So with my observations I have come to some conclusions and predictions:

• Because discretionary income is decreasing and jobs are thinning, people will begin to look to “save” money. How can I “cut” back on things. One of the first things people cut back on or not make a top priority is the foods that they eat. Often selling their health to the lowest bidder, most Americans will shop for what’s on sale, which is almost the most nutrient devoid “foods” on the planet.
• We won’t see the impact of this recession on our health until 15 – 20 years from now when a huge outbreak of diseases with “unknown” causes will erupt. I’m not talking about infectious diseases or a viral outbreak, but people who are just run down and unhealthy.
• This current generation’s lifespan will be shorter than their parents and grandparents. (Yes go back and read that again) And the economic burden it will place on our nation will be unfathomable because insurance companies will not cover medical costs. People will, in essence, choose to die rather than pay for their medical care.
• The average lifespan will decrease from mid-70’s to late 50’s.

My solution:

• Find a way to establish multiple streams of income rather than just relying on one source of income. The whole reason we as a society claim to be in a recession is that we think about scarcity rather than abundance. We’re lazy. We’re content with waking up every morning to the sound of an irritating alarm clock, sitting in traffic, eating a stale, nutrient devoid bagel and complaining about a job and a boss that we hate. No, seriously, we’re content. Because if we weren’t, we wouldn’t be in this so called mess. We’d figure out a way for change.
• Prioritize your finances and put your health at the top.  Without your health, you can’t do anything else.  Don’t sell your health to the lowest bidder.
• Don’t become a statistic. Do something different.