Health Issues

How's the health for your new life?

There are many things which, after you've downshifted, you are going to miss.
Most of these are simpler to adapt to and your new life will evolve around them.

But one thing which may be a lot harder is maintaining general health and paying for it should things go wrong.

One part of this in particular is dental care. I'm sure many of us have been to the Dentist, got rid of tooth pain, but gained in brain pain over the costs of treatment!

If you have a Dental Plan, try to keep up with it if you can, or at least get yourself on a NHS Dentists List.
I had exactly this problem.
I had a degenerating dental problem and simply couldn't afford to keep up with the everlasting costs.
This resulted in eventually having my remaining teeth out and new ones put in.
In a way it's done and dusted now, no more tooth ache, no more hefty dentist bills, but a slight loss of pride and dignity!

After that, there's Prescription charges after treatment by a Doctor. There have been a couple of times where I've seen the Doctor, then, because of really bad financial problems, not purchased the medication to solve the issue quicker.
It may sound drastic, but it's true. Then of course, you have the rest of the family to think about.
You may be the one who downshifted for a more family centred life, but they could pay the price along the way.

Downshifting can be very much the good times and the bad.

Then there's Pets ! This may seem daft, but they get ill and they need treatment and we all know the empty pocket feeling after exiting the Vetinary Surgeons door don't we!
Again, if you have a relatively good Pet Insurance, try and keep up with the payments. This is usually a very cost effective way of going about things.

Prevention is better than cure they say and there's many free fitness and alternative better wellbeing Courses available at most Adult Education Centres etc.

I know many who have tried Tai Chi and found it to bring about lower stress levels and a good leveller.

Your health is important. Without it, you wouldn't be here!

health issues

1. Don't smoke and don't breathe others' tobacco smoke.

2. Eat at least 5 portions of fruit and veg each day and cut down on fat, salt and added sugar.

3. Be physically active for at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week.

4. Maintain, or aim for, a healthy weight (BMI* 20 -25).

5. If you drink alcohol, have no more than 2-3 units a day (women) or 3-4 units a day (men)

6. Protect yourself from the sun. Cover up, keep in the shade, never burn and use factor 15 plus sunscreen. Take extra care to protect children.

7. Practise safer sex - use a condom.

8. Make the decision to go for cancer screening when invited.

9. On the roads, THINK safety.

10 Manage stress levels - talking things through, relaxation and physical activity can help

Before Downshifting
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Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it. Dalai Lama

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