Why have I included an article on wealth in a Health & Fitness newsletter? Because your level of financial security can have an amazing affect on your level of health. If you've never experienced any kind of stress or physical discomfort because of money lack or bills to pay then don't read any further! Otherwise we will explore some of these connections together.

Can you believe this? A few years ago, psychologist Sheldon Cohen conducted an experiment. First, he asked adults a key question about their childhoods. Then, he squirted cold viruses up their noses (this man needs another hobby) and watched his subjects for several days to see which of them got sick.

The question asked was "Did your parents own their home when you were a kid?"

Actually, Cohen asked that question once for every year from birth to age 18 and found that the more years your parents owned their own home, the less likely you were to develop a cold! (Please don't get upset with your parents every time you get a cold - blame your friends, I do!)

Think about it yourself. When you're bills are paid and you have a decent amount of cash sitting in the bank you usually feel much more comfortable. On the other hand living on the edge (financially) all the time can really take a toll on your health. Financial stress can lead to insomnia, loss of sexual ability, hair loss, low immune function, heart problems and even stomach ulcers.

These problems aren't just experienced by the individual, but also by low-income areas, and poorer countries, they can affect entire communities. Poor people and low income earners cannot afford the best quality food (or sometimes any food), are more likely to ingest low grade food items and have less access to good quality health care.

It doesn't take a degree in rocket science to see the correlation between good health and wealth and yet so many people fail to make the connection. Wealth is seen as a completely separate item. Getting out of debt and becoming financially fit is like joining a gym and eating a healthy diet - you start to look and feel better all round.

Have a look at these American Stats (I couldn't find any Australian figures, but I'm guessing they wouldn't be far off);

INCOMES AND OUTCOMES

(Yearly family income)

Americans who report good health

Under $20,000: 37

$40,000-$60,000: 56

Over $80,000: 71

$20,000-$40,000: 12.8

$60,000-$80,000: 8.5

Source: National Centre for Health Statistics

Here's another interesting, if not frightening piece of information regarding wealth & health;

The net worth of the obese is roughly half that of those with normal body mass. As young baby boomers age, peak net worth slowly shifts toward those with lower mass. Boomers with a body mass index (BMI) of 22 in 1985 held the most net worth, but by 2000 the peak shifted to those with a BMI of 17. From 1985 to 2000, for every one-point BMI increase, net worth on average fell $1,000, holding other factors like income constant.

Surprisingly, part of the reason BMI is inversely related to net worth is because lighter people receive more inheritances than heavier individuals. Can you believe that? Stats also show that you are more likely to get a raise if you are thinner, and even more so if you are taller.

What's the take home message here? Healthy, fit people are more likely to take care of their money, and folks with good financial circumstances usually have better health. If you can lessen your debts and pay your bills on time you may just end up with a better immune system - and live longer!

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