Though it can be costly, health insurance is one of the most important components that you can have in your life, especially if an unfortunate illness or injury were to occur. Many people who lack health insurance may spend a lot of time either dealing with their illness until it escalates, or they may go to the emergency room just to get care, even if it isn’t truly an emergency.
What many uninsured people don’t realize is that they can stay healthy and avoid those emergency room visits by practicing wellness in their daily lives. Wellness includes sleeping more, eating better, or fitting in cardio a few times a week, and these efforts can help you to avoid common ailments that can keep you happy and healthy and out of the doctor’s office.
Below we outline some everyday health tips, along with resources, if you do find that you need medical attention but lack health insurance.
1. Start With a Healthy Diet
The first step to retaining your health is to watch what you put into your body. A healthy diet will not only help you to feel better but eating right can also help to keep many health issues at bay. A balanced diet should consist of plenty of fruit, vegetables, grains, nuts, and lean proteins.
You want to avoid are foods with processed or unhealthy ingredients like most pizza, bread, fried food, and fast food. The problem with fast food is that it is made to satisfy, and it usually includes a lot of salt, empty calories, and often trans-fat, which has been banned in many cases. The problem with all of this bad stuff is that it can slow your body down and lead to very serious health issues like heart disease, high blood pressure, and weight gain, which alone can result in heart issues and diabetes.
Also, be mindful of what you drink. Coffee is good in moderation, but overdoing it could lead to raised blood pressure and insomnia. Sports drinks also provide their own negative effects, including damage to your teeth.
Going to the dentist without insurance will turn into a very costly endeavor, and if left untreated, minor ailments like cavities can lead to larger issues like tooth decay. We think that we need coffee and energy drinks to stay alert at work, when in fact, drinking more water or green tea can give you the energy you need without the dangerous side effects.
2. Treat Your Body Right
In order to stay as healthy as possible, you want to keep your body in good shape, so it is strong enough to fight off potential illnesses. You should get into an exercise routine where you engage in a mix of cardio and light weights. You don’t have to train for the next marathon, but even three hours of moderate exercise stretched over the week can help to keep your weight under control while also improving your mood and sleep, while reducing the risk of heart disease.
Sleeping is key.
Most doctors will recommend that you get seven to nine hours of sleep each night in order to have the energy you need to recover from the day and prepare for tomorrow. Sleep can do amazing things for your body, including helping you to lose weight and even reducing your risk of cancer, which is really essential if you live without health insurance. Make sure that you have a suitable pillow and mattress.
One of the most significant benefits of sleep is that it helps you to reduce your stress levels. Stress can manifest itself in physical ways, including headaches, frequent colds, and stomach problems. It can be easy to stress out, but to maintain your health, try to get through it by getting more sleep, talking with your family, or keeping your mind and body in good shape by practicing yoga.
Protect Your Eyes
Although we would struggle without the ability to see, most of us take eye health for granted. However, if you do not have health insurance, then it may be difficult to get assistance if you do feel pain, discomfort, or a loss of vision.
When you are outdoors, always wear protective eyewear to avoid the sun’s harmful UV light rays. When you are at work or perusing the internet, be careful not to look at the screen for too long.
To avoid eye strain, try the proven method of looking away from your screen every 20 minutes at an object that is 20 feet away for 20 seconds. If you work in construction or manufacturing, wear safety glasses.
If your work requires you to stare at a computer, consider a pair of blue light glasses that will reduce the glare and protect your eyes.
Finally, avoid smoking as it has been proven to lead to eye degeneration.
So, where do you go if you lack health insurance and you need to get your eyes checked? The good news is that there are many programs available that offer vision services to those with lower income, such as EyeCare America, which serves those 65 years and older and InfantSEE, which provides care to babies. If you find that you need glasses, then a valuable resource is New Eyes, which provides frames to those in need.
3. Where to Get Medical Attention
The fact remains that even if you eat right and maintain good physical health, you may still need to see a health professional at one time or another. Luckily, there are many resources available where you can get the care you need.
If you are without insurance or expendable income, then you can investigate a community health center in your area. These centers provide many different health services, from screening to treatment, to those who either lack insurance or have limited funds. You can even get help for serious issues like heart disease and HIV.
Another option is to look in your local paper for pop-up health events specifically designed for low-income families that provide mental, dental, and vision screenings. These events are often sponsored by local hospitals.
If you work at a company that does not offer health insurance or you do not qualify because you are part-time, then you can find an affordable option with the health insurance marketplace in your state. If you are below a certain income threshold, then you may qualify for these affordable plans that will be less money each month and will give you access to cost-effective generic drugs and preventive care.
Wrap Up and Final Notes
It is an unfortunate situation that health insurance is not more readily available. Still, by maintaining your health and practicing self-care, you can limit your need for medical attention and feel better overall.
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