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Good Advice....

Tuesday, 03 January 2012 02:00

Health Care and Triathlon

By Dr. Chris Frykman

I was just reading in the news that 2012 is expected to have higher health care costs than 2011. With a continuing trend in that direction, almost half of people polled deferred care in 2011 due to cost. It's a sad reality that some people have to put their health on hold. As an endurance athlete, you understand the impact your health has on your quality of life. But still, things get in the way, right?

Is this an issue for you? I want to help. I've got a few ideas I?d like to share that may help.

First, preventive care is the least expensive way to address health concerns. Think about it. Would it be easier to lose 10 pounds, or just keep it off to begin with? Not to mention preventive care provides a higher quality of life. Again, would you rather eat...

Cheetos and wait for a heart attack, hoping medical science can save you than begin the long journey back to health, or is it more your style to eat a couple of veggies and go for a few runs along the way and keep a healthy heart?

Study after study confirms that taking care of your health BEFORE problems arise is the most cost effective way to approach health care and squeeze the most out of life. Chiropractic care shines when it comes to prevention. While many people are amazed at how well chiropractic care can quickly deal with issues like headaches, digestive complaints, sports related injuries, etc many don't realize that getting a couple of adjustments every month can go a LONG way toward maintaining and preserving the health, physical performance and mental clarity you already have and value.

Second - As managed care and insurance plans continue to tighten the noose... er, belt, my number one recommendation is to take control of your own health care. By all means, most if not all people should have an insurance plan, but consider investing in a high deductible plan that significantly lowers your monthly expensive. You?ll still have your safety net in case, God forbid, something horrible happens. You can take your money that your saving on insurance costs and redirect part of it to preventive care for you and your family. There are several benefits to this, not the least of which is that you can make the decisions about where and when to spend your hard earned cash. It can be very frustrating to find a potential solution for your health, only to be told that your expensive health insurance doesn?t cover it for one reason or another.

Third - Related to the previous suggestion, a Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), or the like is a great idea to explore for your family. That way, pretty much all your preventive health care choices will be paid for using pre-tax dollars. I?m not a lawyer or an accountant, but check it out. It works great for many of my patients.

Lastly - I?d like to personally extend an invite to all loyal Minnesota Tri News readers to get a dose of preventive health care starting now. For the month of January 2012, I?m offering all my fellow MN triathletes a stellar deal. Get a total health scan, stress response evaluation, and a chiropractic treatment for only $39! If you?ve thought it would be a great idea to try your hand at a preventive, holistic approach to health now you can do it and save hundreds of dollars in the process. WEBSITE

Here's to a year full of happiness and health (and a few PR?s). -