Even with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, the percentage of uninsured Americans in 2018 was close to 12.5 percent. Although the ACA has been effective for millions of families in the United States, not everyone has been able to benefit from this program. If you are currently without health or dental insurance, it is very important that you look into proactive ways of staying healthy. Here are four tips to get you started:
Find Affordable Community Clinics
You should be able to find community medical clinics in just about every major metropolitan area. The number of community clinics has been increasing in recent years, and many of them are now affiliated with county public health departments. These clinics are extremely affordable and accept cash payments or donations; they follow a model that has been very successful in Latin America. In some cases, these clinics will accept partial payments made in monthly installments.
Focus on Healthy Nutrition
Quite a few health issues are caused by deficient nutritional intake. If you eat right, you will have less medical issues to worry about. Medical researchers who study longevity in Mediterranean coastal villages, Japanese islands and rural villages in Costa Rica have determined that healthy diets make residents of these Blue Zones live longer. A balanced and healthy nutrition includes lots of green vegetables and fresh fruits followed by moderate amounts of grains, proteins, and fats.
Live an Active Lifestyle
Being a sedentary individual will only result in repeated visits to the doctor. If your life is mostly dictated by driving to your office and sitting down for long shifts, your health may deteriorate quickly. If you can inject at least 30 minutes of exercise each day, your body and mind will forever be grateful.
Look for Dental Care Alternatives
Even the most expensive ACA health insurance plans do not offer too much in the way of dental care; for this reason, dental insurance is often offered separately. What many people do not know is that in-house dental membership plans are great alternatives to dental insurance. Check with your dentist about the availability of these plans on your next visit.
In the end, not being able to afford health or dental insurance plans should not preclude you from staying healthy. Let the recommendations listed herein be your initial guide towards living a healthier life. It is up to you to conduct further research to avoid spending your life visiting clinics.
