21 Ways to Stay Healthy When You're Broke

Your health and wallet are not at odds. Here's your guide to healthy living on a tight budget.

No matter your budget, there’s no reason to take a rain check on your health and well-being. It’s possible to maintain a balanced diet, get fit, and see a doctor—all without breaking the bank. The key is to come up with a plan. Here are 21 ways to get you started.

Visit Your Local Pharmacy

In many cases, you can get a routine exam, like a blood pressure check at a reputable drugstore or pharmacy without having to reach into your pockets. Learning your blood pressure levels can help prevent or detect high blood pressure, a condition that can put you at risk for more serious issues, such as kidney failure and even heart attacks.

How to Safely Make Lifestyle Changes With Type 2 Diabetes

Gain control of your disease while still protecting your heart

If you're overweight or obese and have type 2 diabetes, a new study reveals how to make lifestyle changes that will help you safely gain control of your disease and still protect your heart.

Researchers published a study in Diabetes Care that took a second — and more in-depth — look at data from the NIH's Look AHEAD study. They found that for 85% of people in that study, lifestyle interventions that triggered weight loss and increased physical activity reduced potential cardiovascular problems. Such lifestyle interventions also help reduce the risks for diabetes, dementia and some cancers and strengthen the immune system.

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