How can you save $330 per Year in Medical Costs?

According to facts and figures posted at East Carolina University, a study of individuals aged 15 and older without physical limitations found that the average annual direct medical costs were $1,019 for those who are regularly physically active and $1,349 for those who reported being inactive.

Based on this information, regular exercise can save you $330 per year. So, are you reaping this savings?

Why not?

Many people think exercise has to be expensive; like joining a gym, visiting a health club, or purchasing expensive equipment.

It’s not true.

Walking is a known exercise, free to everyone, and a great way to get some physical activity. But, are you walking?

According to the same link mentioned above, you aren’t. About 25% of all trips made in the United States are less than one mile in length, and 75% of those short trips are made by automobile.

How often is it possible for you to walk, but you choose not too? Is it based on a time factor? Or perhaps you’re making multiple stops, for which you think you’ll save money?

If time is money, you’re saving money by walking. Is your time worth more than the savings? I highly doubt it.

I live in an extremely walkable neighborhood with a ranking of 89 out of 100 at Walk Score, and I take full advantage of it; walking to the post office, library, bank, gym, and grocery store.

Another way to encourage walking, especially for families with children is to walk to school, or if you live too far, walk to the bus stop.

Did you know that recent national surveys show that the proportion of primary school children walking to school has dropped from 42% to 27%, while the proportion being driven to school has jumped from 31% to 52%?

Are you in the 52% who are driving their children to school?

Why?

Could you walk with your kids to school? Are you taking full advantage of your neighborhood? Are you driving when you could walk?

All it takes is planning ahead, because,

It’s about a healthy lifestyle!

© Iowa Avenue

Photo courtesy of jenn jenn