It’s been suggested that your career is your biggest financial asset because it fuels all of your financial progress — it grows your net worth, pays for your living expenses, sends your kids to college,funds your retirement, and the like. That’s why we protect our careers with products like disability, medical, and life insurance, because without the ability to work — even for a limited amount of time — most of us would experience severe financial hardship.

But taking that line of thinking one step backwards, CNN Money suggests that your health is actually your most important financial asset. Why? Because if you’re not in good health, your career is either worthless or likely very limited! So Money suggests six ways to protect your finances by protecting your health. Their list:

• Spot problems early – Make sure you get the tests recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
• Pop your pills – Compared with treating disease, medication is an inexpensive lifesaver.
• Don’t miss this drug – Aspirin can seriously reduce a man’s chances of heart attack and a woman’s chances of stroke.
• Floss – A recent study in the Journal of Periodontology found that patients ages 40 to 59 with severe gum disease had cumulative healthcare costs 21% higher than those who had healthy gums.
• Get more Z’s – An insomniac’s health-care costs can be $4,200 more than those of someone who sleeps well.
• Go for a walk – Just 30 minutes a day [of moderate exercise] can lower your risk of cancer, stroke, diabetes and a host of other ills.

Live a longer, happier life and contribute to your bottomline at the same time. Sounds like a great deal, doesn’t it? Now, who’s up for a quick walk around the block?

6 investments in your health [CNN Money]

— FREE MONEY FINANCE
(Illustration: Getty)

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