Released July 17, 2009
MURFREESBORO, Ark. - Pennywise is pound-foolish when it comes to healthcare, according to Robbie McKinnon, Pike County extension agent for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
"People tend to cut corners when the economy is sluggish," she said. "However, skipping regular checkups and screenings is not the way to save money.
"Although you might save the co-pay requirement, not finding health problems initially will cause the treatment costs to be much more when the symptoms become apparent," McKinnon said. "It is much better to begin early treatment."
Part of your healthy living checklist should include:
- Having a family primary care physician for treatment. Relying on the local emergency room is expensive.
- Ask for generics when filling prescriptions.
Prevention is also a strong strategy for tough economic times.
"Be sure to eat healthy - which is do-able on a budget," McKinnon said. "Remember the ground rules: Take a list and don't ever go to the grocery store hungry."
McKinnon also advises consumers to never buy more perishable than the family can eat and to buy what's in season.
"Buy what is on sale in the grocery store and stock up on non-perishables when you catch the good buy," she said.
Non-fat dry milk is a bargain and consumers can mix up the amount needed.
"And remember that a basic meal of beans, cornbread and garden vegetables is great nutrition and you can't beat the price," McKinnon said.
Other nutritional bargains include oatmeal and popcorn without all the butter.
--30—
http://www.uaex.edu/news/july2009/0717healthcare_savings.htm
Writer: Elizabeth Fortune, (501) 671-2120, efortune@uaex.edu
