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Is the credit crunch affecting your health?
There has been an abundance of media coverage about the ‘credit crunch’ in recent months We’ve witnessed the worse growth in shopping revenue in the run up to Christmas for many years and the non-food sector has been hit particularly hard.  
A number of British people are potentially facing redundancy as a result of the credit crisis, and this prolonged period of uncertainty can have a detrimental effect on the nation’s heath. Maybe now is the time to consider a personal medical plan 
Studies have shown that the health of employees facing redundancy actually worsens during the period of uncertainty when the threat of closure is immanent rather than when the closure has actually happened. This period of increased ill health is more than likely to be stress related, as experts now know that increased stress can affect the cardiovascular system as well as the immune system.*  
A recent study has also shown that type ‘2’ diabetes in men is more common amongst sufferers of depression, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety and apathy, all of which are forms of psychological distress. This could be a direct consequence of the stress suffered or a result of the poorer diet and reduced physical exercise which is a often an unfortunate consequence of stress and anxiety.**  
Another study conducted at Yale University has shown that those who loose their job late on in their career can double the chance of a heart attack or stroke as a result of increased stress2, however where proper support is given when people find themselves out of a job, the stress levels can be considerably reduced and with them any increased risk of serious illness. Closer to home at the University College London, a three year study also showed that increased stress levels can also increase cholesterol***, which in turn can lead to cardiovascular problems, diabetes and other kidney problems. 
These recent studies all seem to agree that worries over personal finances, worries over ones future and other forms of stress and anxiety can adversely affect our health; however, all these studies also agree that the effects of stress and anxiety can be greatly reduced though regular exercise and a healthy diet.  
Should the need for medical attention arise, those with a personal medical plan such as individual or family medical insurance are more likely to be seen and treated quickly. This minimises the period of time they’re out of action and enables them to return to health and work sooner, thus avoiding the stress and anxiety which can arise from long periods out of work.  
Source: *http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7523327.stm **http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/5098250.stm ***http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4459440.stm  
 
See for yourself just how competitive our products are. Simply take a few moments to answer some questions and you’ll be surprised at how affordable private health insurance can be.
You can always call us on 0800 917 4325 (calls will be recorded)
Civil Service Healthcare Society Limited incorporated in England and Wales.
Registered Office: Princess House, Horace Rd, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey. KT1 2SL.
FSA reg. no. 205346.