Heathy, Wealthy, and Wise

Benjamin Franklin had some pithy advice for becoming "healthy, wealthy, and wise"—something to do with getting enough sleep.

Today you have several opportunities to benefit your health—both physical and financial. Here's a recent tip from "Benjamin Bankes" at feedthepig.org:

"Now that the weather is getting nicer, many gyms and health clubs are offering membership specials and discounts to attract new members. Some health clubs offer benefit packages, such as discounts for cell phone service or car rentals. If you were considering joining a gym, now could be an ideal time to do so! Just make sure you read the fine print before joining—is your obligation for a month, a year or more? Will you be automatically renewed after the obligation?

"For added financial benefit, check with your health insurance provider. Many give incentives, including cash back, for exercising a certain amount of times per month or year. If you exercise regularly, not taking advantage of perks like these is like saying 'No, thank you!' to free money.

"Be healthy and save even more money by quitting smoking, walking or biking to work and cooking your meals at home. For the cost of a meal out, you can purchase the makings to prepare several meals at home and ensure that the meals are healthy.

"Living a healthy lifestyle and exercising regularly can help you avoid an illness or disability that may prevent you from working. In addition, regular exercise is proven to improve your immune system and reduce stress. Consider this: health care is one of the biggest expenses of retirement, and the life decisions that you make now can pay dividends if they make you more healthy in the long-term."

To learn more about healthy foods, read "Super Foods," by Brenda Meyer, R.N., in the May/June 2010 Lake Country Journal Magazine. Stay healthy—and "wealthy and wise" may take care of themselves.