The Cost of NOT Living Organically
Eating organic foods has a reputation for being costly. Organic fruits, vegetables, eggs, and grains – these all cost a bit more than their conventional counterparts. However, although organic products do tend to cost more, there are tangible, monetary benefits to eating the healthiest foods and using the most environmentally friendly products.
The costs of obesity and poor nutrition are among the most expensive in all of the healthcare industry. Diabetes and diabetes-related complications, often caused by obesity, cost $116 billion in health care and $58 billion in lost productivity in 2007, according to the American Diabetes Association. These staggering costs often have their root in poor nutrition, which is why a diet rich in organic, chemical-and additive-free food is essential for better health and lower health care fees.
Cardiovascular disease is another source of high costs to the American health system. Heart surgery to repair damaged hearts can run to hundreds of thousands of dollars. All told, it is estimated that 70 million Americans suffer from cardiovascular disease and related symptoms, at an annual cost of $400 billion.
Toxins also contribute to spiraling costs in health care. In a study conducted by the Antioch University Seattle's Center for Creative Change, exposure to toxins causes $1.6 to $2.2 billion in health care costs in childhood conditions such as asthma, cancer, birth defects and neurobehavioral disorders to name just a few. Toxin exposure to adults is even more costly, with an estimated $2.8 to $3.5 billion in health care costs for heart disease, cancer, asthma and more.
Medications are another expense in the ongoing battle for American health. Heart medication can cost up to $325, depending on the generic and insurance. Blood pressure medication can also be expensive, costing up to $90, depending on the generic and the patient’s insurance as well. Overall, more than 72 million Americans adults, roughly 1 in 3, have high blood pressure, leading to costs in excess of $100 billion a year to the U.S. economy.
But don’t think poor health results in extra costs only at the doctor’s office. Besides health care, the average obese person spends $485 more per year on clothing. Obese people also miss more days in the office, costing employers $4 billion a year. Those extra pounds also have an effect on fuel costs. Because more passengers are obese these days, the airlines have to spend more on jet fuel. Same thing goes for cars – obese people, on average, spend more on gasoline than people at a healthier weight.
The above expenses can all be reduced with attention to diet, exercise, and smart daily choices. Promote better health through a diet rich in organic foods and an eco-friendly lifestyle. With the right tools and information, you can renew your body, mind, and spirit while avoiding the astonishing costs associated with health problems caused by poor nutrition.
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