If today's economy has significantly impacted your financial and personal life, chances are it is also affecting your health.
 That does not come as much of a surprise if you stop and think about it.
 We all know that stress causes health problems and this is a pretty stressful time for most people.
 To add to that, when times get tough, usually one of the first things to go is your healthy habits.
  Doctors are seeing more and more patients whose once controlled blood pressure is now sky rocketing.
 And those making an effort to lose weight seem to have given up.
 Part of this is because it costs money to eat healthier foods and have a gym membership, and some people cannot justify the added expense in times like these.
 Even worse, those in need of preventive screenings are forgoing them to save themselves a co payment.
  Although the current economic crisis is too new to link it to specific health outcomes we can assume that it will be the same as in previous recessions.
 In the past unemployment in the U.
S.
and Europe was associated with increased deaths from heart disease, cancer, and psychiatric disorders.
 We can learn from our past mistakes.
  There are a few lessons to be learned here.
 First, you cannot put a price on good health.
 Second, having healthy habits does not need to cost a lot of money.
 For instance, if you cannot afford your gym membership, which I cut out five months ago, get outside and go for a walk.
  Equally important is to make eating healthy a priority by avoiding as many processed foods as possible, which add sodium to your diet.
 Instead, include lots of fruits and vegetables.
 While fresh fruits and vegetables can get expensive, there is nothing wrong with buying frozen items and choosing fruit that is in season.
 And be sure to cut back on eating out before you cut back on your grocery budget.