The cost of being sick

[marla]

I've been out with a terrible cold for the last week. It's been a long time since I have been sick and I was surprised at how much it ends up costing when you get sick. There is the cost of the medicine that keeps you somewhat functional and a visit to the doctor to tell you that there is nothing that they can do for you just to make sure you don't have something terrible. But the real cost is the loss of time. Not being able to do anything and having all kinds of work and errands pile up.

I think that even if it costs me more to eat healthier food and keep my immune system strong, that investment is worth the extra money if it helps me not get sick again. What do you think? or is it just that time of the season when everyone gets sick and there is nothing that we can really do about it?

[PrincessPerky]

Having been sick for a week I can totally sympathize!

I was sick enough for antibiotics, but regardless the little meds cough drops, and tylenol, and said antibiotics, not to mention lack of energy to do simple savings (like decent cooking) all adds up.

As to what can be done..not much, but if you have family close by ask em to make you chicken soup..it really does help. And write down some of those "stay healthy" resolutions you make while ill . Healthy eating and healthy habits really do keep the number of sick days down.

[Seeker]

I think that even if it costs me more to eat healthier food and keep my immune system strong, that investment is worth the extra money if it helps me not get sick again. What do you think? or is it just that time of the season when everyone gets sick and there is nothing that we can really do about it?

Well, Marla, hope you're better now!

One thing I can recommend is Vitamin C. I take 500 mg of chewable Vitamin C daily and anytime anyone else around me gets sick or I feel a bit of post-nasal drip and the accompanying sore throat, I chew a second.... and I've not really been sick since doing this. It works for me.

[billy1980]

I agree that paying that little extra over a sustained period of time to eat healthier is better than the financial hit of being ill, especially when self employed. No body wants to be sick after all, and we should all take care of our bodies better

[Tim_1983]

I agree that paying that little extra over a sustained period of time to eat healthier is better than the financial hit of being ill, especially when self employed. No body wants to be sick after all, and we should all take care of our bodies better

Wise words!

[50stang]

This is a good post. I'm an athlete and I study Human performance as a hobby. Every day I'm amazed by all the crap that people drink or ingest. Then they get sick and the Drug dealer, excuse me, I mean doctor prescribes all kinds of synthetic drugs to only MASK your problem.

Yes! Eating healthy and getting exercise will go a long way. Unfortunately most Americans only learn how to make money and don't take the time to learn anything else. Its so sad little kids are now obese...

[mom2manyboyz]

Thank you for posting this. Honestly, I used to eat junk. Four years ago, at age 35 I had developed adult allergies and a horrible rash on my face that my doctor couldn't explain. I got colds constantly. I started paying attention to my diet and for the first time realized I ate junk.

I started eating healthier: No sugar, no soda, no packaged processed stuff they sell as "food." Now, I eat lots of raw fruits and veggies, whole grains and try to eat organic. I haven't been sick in years. My rash is gone. My allergies are gone too. I don't need daily drugs, or cold medicines. I cleaned out my medicine cabinet the other day and was shocked to remember the steroids my doctor had me on to try to get rid of the rash.

Funny thing is my co-workers critique my diet saying the things I eat are "too expensive." Nobody ever thought say anything when I spent money on candy before. American's are so confused about diet.

This is a good post. I'm an athlete and I study Human performance as a hobby. Every day I'm amazed by all the crap that people drink or ingest. Then they get sick and the Drug dealer, excuse me, I mean doctor prescribes all kinds of synthetic drugs to only MASK your problem.

Yes! Eating healthy and getting exercise will go a long way. Unfortunately most Americans only learn how to make money and don't take the time to learn anything else. Its so sad little kids are now obese...

[OverSaver]

yes being sick does cost quiet a bit...it almost seems like our bosses expect us to be super human by making us catch up after its all over.

[Gailete]

Not to mention the huge cost of a chronic illness that means you will never punch a time clock again. My SSD check is 1/3 what I used to make and 1/3 of its is eaten up in paying for Medicare premiums and supplements, and then more is eaten up in co-pays for the medicine I have to take to keep me functioning at a minimal level.

Even if you think it can't happen to you, think again.

[SusanP]

I've been out with a terrible cold for the last week. It's been a long time since I have been sick and I was surprised at how much it ends up costing when you get sick. There is the cost of the medicine that keeps you somewhat functional and a visit to the doctor to tell you that there is nothing that they can do for you just to make sure you don't have something terrible. But the real cost is the loss of time. Not being able to do anything and having all kinds of work and errands pile up.

I think that even if it costs me more to eat healthier food and keep my immune system strong, that investment is worth the extra money if it helps me not get sick again. What do you think? or is it just that time of the season when everyone gets sick and there is nothing that we can really do about it?

So sorry to hear you've been sick! It's definitely worth it to invest in prevention by eating better.

In addition, I've found that when if I do catch a cold, it's better for me to suffer through it for 2 or 3 days without taking anything. If I take medicine for it, it seems to suppress the symptoms short-term, but the sickness can stick around for a week or more.

Good luck getting back to normal!

[samonwheels]

I agree that paying that little extra over a sustained period of time to eat healthier is better than the financial hit of being ill, especially when self employed. No body wants to be sick after all, and we should all take care of our bodies better