Economic Crisis Spurs Health Meltdown

More people are talking about the effects this recession is having on our health. The harsh reality is that more Americans will suffer from acute stress-related illness and chronic diseases as a result of the economic crisis in the United States.

In August of 2008 I spoke on several radio shows, including WTOP in Washington, DC about this. Read info that has been shared with millions...

Dr. Andrea Pennington, immediate past President of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals and owner of Pennington Empowerment Media says, “Over the next 12 months to 10 years we will notice more people suffering from insomnia, depression, rage, addiction and abuse as a result of the pressures of living with our economic recession.” African-Americans and Latinos will suffer in greater numbers than their Caucasian counterparts according to Pennington. This is of particular importance now, as we focus on health disparities during April - Minority Health Month.

Dr. Pennington states that her practice is now filled with people suffering from emotional and physical health issues that are directly related to their financial troubles. She explains that the stress of losing everything – jobs, homes and health benefits – or the mere threat of bankruptcy and foreclosure have put many of her clients into a tailspin of binge eating, drug use and rage.

Dr. Pennington has appeared twice on the Oprah Winfrey show to educate millions of viewers on the basics of wellness, nutrition, diabetes and weight loss. She has authored two books and numerous videos and audio programs designed to empower people to regain total wellness. She believes that her message is now more important than ever.

Pennington explains that “as fewer people can afford basic healthcare and prescription medications, chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes will remain at epidemic levels in this country. This is tragic because these are preventable diseases.”

SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM HEALTH PROBLEMS

Dr. Pennington predicts that the current economic climate will cause problems now and over the next several years. Besides the immediate effects that economic hardship causes, Dr. Pennington outlines that the long-term effects of the recession will include physical, psychological, and social breakdowns and even strains within the healthcare system itself. Hospitals and Emergency Departments will see more people who have no means of paying preventive medical care or treatment of diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

As a result of shouldering the financial burdens of maintaining a family, Dr. Pennington explains that frustration, anger and rage may lead some people into unexpected situations such as physical abuse and domestic violence. According to Dr. Pennington, self-abuse, in the form of drug use, alcohol abuse and binge eating will also take their tolls over time.

Dr. Pennington suggests we watch for the following conditions over the next 10 years: depression, anxiety, obesity, heart disease, cancer, problems of self-hygiene, domestic violence and child abuse.

Five-Step Holistic Approach to SURVIVAL!

In order to survive and make it through this economic meltdown, Dr. Pennington believes that all of us will need to focus on self-protection and self-preservation. “This requires a holistic approach to our overall wellbeing. We must give attention to our physical, emotional and even spiritual health now and over the next few years to avoid the detrimental effects of living in these uncertain financial times.”

In her next post, Dr. Pennington suggests a 5-step approach to surviving financial troubles with your health intact! This will also be featured in an in-depth interview for BlogTalkRadio! (www.blogtalkradio.com/drandrea