30-day challenges
We are pleased to continue our 30-day challenge series. Past challenges can be found .
This month's 30-day challenge is to Reduce your future health (and current habit) expenses!
Why is this important?
In addition to this, unhealthy lifestyles can have a negative effect on your current financial situation. There is already a lot of overlap between personal finance and lifestyle choices, so let's take a look at some immediate improvements you can make for your future.
Reducing your Risk of Heart Disease (Cost )
Leading a healthy lifestyle is the biggest way to reduct your risk of heart disease. Among these lifestyle choices:
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Not using tobacco (, , )
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Being physically active (Same sources as above)
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Maintaining a healthy weight (Same sources as above)
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Making healthy food choices (Same sources as above)
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Stress management ()
Some of the above also have a side effect of immediate financial impact:
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Not using tobacco: $1,610 - $3,750 per year ()
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Making healthy food choices: comparative savings of $14 per meal (fast food, family of 4) ()
The lifestyle choices below have been shown to reduce the risk of cancer:
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Not using tobacco (, , , )
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Maintaining a healthy weight (Same sources as above)
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Limiting alcohol intake (Same sources as above)
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Get screened for cancer and/or Hepatitis C (Same sources as above)
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Protect yourself from the sun (Same sources as above)
Note that a few of these are carried over from the first section on heart disease! There are some immediate financial impacts of reducing your alcohol intake: You can save about by going dry.
The lifestyle choices below have been shown to reduce the risk of COPD:
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Not smoking (, , )
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Avoid respiratory infections and get vaccinated (Same sources as above)
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Avoid home and workplace air pollutants, lung irritants, or dust (Same sources as above)
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Exercise regularly to improve your breathing
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Address allergic conditions
Related Subreddits:
Challenge success criteria
You've successfully completed this challenge once you've done 2 or more of the following things:
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Reduce or stop any tobacco habits
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Reduce or stop your alcohol intake
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Pick up an outdoor hobby (walking, hiking, running, swimming, biking, etc.) and don't forget the sunscreen!
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See your primary care physician for a checkup. Ask for recommendations on lifestyle improvements, sleep quality, stress reduction, and if applicable, drug use.
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Increase your frequency of cooking at home and eat healthier foods
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Start a fitness journal
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Reduce time spent on watching television, playing video games, and other idle habits
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Take time off of work to reduce stress (Public holidays such as Memorial Day, Victoria Day, May Day, or other holidays from your country of residence don't count!)