SavvySugar

People in Debt Twice as Likely to Be Overweight?

SavvySugar — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 04:30:10 -0700

There's a solution for every problem, and it appears two of the toughest to fix are heavily linked. New research from Germany shows that people in heavy debt are twice as likely to be overweight as the general population and more than 2.5 times as likely to be obese.

While the statistics are surprisingly high, it makes sense that individuals with intense financial stress would be struggle with weight. Stress causes the body to put on weight, and the researchers note that people may turn to food to cope with their money troubles. However, the team doesn't rule out that heavier people are more likely to get into debt because it's harder to find employment or make as much money as slimmer individuals. I hope there isn't much validity behind this suggestion; have your experiences shown there's any truth to the possibility?

Study Measures Health Risks of Stress From Potential Job Loss

SavvySugar — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 04:30:06 -0700

Stress is the cause of so many illnesses, and new research shows you're more likely to have health issues because of worrying about losing your job than someone who's unemployed and stressing about finding a job. Sociologist Sarah Burgard commented, "It may seem surprising that chronically high job insecurity is more strongly linked with health declines than actual job loss or unemployment."

Researchers analyzed data on 1,700 adults and studies conducted between 1986 and 1989 and from 1995 and 2005. In one exceptional finding, the study suggested "chronic job insecurity was a stronger predictor of poor health than either smoking or high blood pressure." If it's true the stress of job uncertainty is just as bad for us as picking up a health vice, like cigarettes or fatty foods, that's pretty amazing news. Burgard explained, "Persistent stress is a strain on people. It is the unrelenting nature of the uncertainty that really gets you."

If you're someone who's constantly stressed about your uncertain future at your job, it's important to try your best to contain it and make stress-relieving exercise a regular part of your life. Most of all focus on staying in the moment, instead of worrying about what's to come. The future is going to happen no matter how much you worry about it.

How-To: Unwind After a Rough Workday

SavvySugar — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:30:30 -0700

Shaking off a rough day at work isn't always easy. Let go of the workday blues when you leave the office by taking time for yourself. There are plenty of ways to detach from the day's events and none of these ideas involve retail therapy - no need to make things worse by spending money you may not have. Check out these ways to unwind and then take a load off, working girl. Photo copyright 2009 ABC, Inc.

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What Would You Do? Destination Wedding in Mexico

SavvySugar — Wed, 06 May 2009 10:30:21 -0700

Only a couple weeks have passed since swine flu was introduced to our common vocabulary, and a day doesn't go by without the term spoken in my presence. I'm sure you can relate. I was chatting with a friend about a dilemma she's facing because of the flu and am wondering how you would handle the tough position she's facing.

She's supposed to attend a destination wedding in Cancun this weekend and is going back and forth about filling her role as a guest. Her job is in the health and fitness field where she works hands on with dozens of clients each day, and she's concerned that if she contracted the illness she'd spread the flu to her clients.

She knows the possibility of coming down with the flu is slim, but she's wary about risking it. Her hesitation is heightened by the flu forcing the temporary closure of the resort where she was supposed to stay.

Would you still attend a destination wedding in Mexico right now?

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Has Your Employer Addressed Swine Flu Concerns?

SavvySugar — Fri, 01 May 2009 04:30:49 -0700

The world is buzzing about swine flu, so much that human resources in our office sent a company-wide email addressing the issue. It reminded employees to wash our hands, visit the doctor and stay home if we're feeling sick, and encouraged us to use the Purell dispensers around the office (Johnson & Johnson is a swine flu victor). Have you received something similar at your office?

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Dealing With Money-Related Stress

SavvySugar — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 06:44:38 -0700

Economic anxiety is the issue en mode, and experts say the number of people seeking help for their money-induced stress is growing. Those reaching out to professionals for help haven't necessarily dealt with huge financial blows, and some patients are simply affected by the general uncertainty of the times. Whether you're suffering from serious panic attacks, losing sleep, or simply feel more stressed than usual, it's important to find ways to deal with your symptoms.

If you don't think it's necessary to visit a professional for advice, take steps to cope with the stress on your own. According to The New York Times, the general advice experts are dishing out is to "engage in activities that can release stress, like exercise, hobbies or socializing with friends and family," and therapists "also encourage people to try to take action or make decisions in areas where they have some control."

Here's my favorite piece of advice the NYT picked up from the experts surveyed: Write down your worries and responsibilities before you go to bed. It's a simple solution for clearing your head before going to bed, which can give you a better chance for a good night's sleep.

How are you dealing with money stress?

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Work Mood Booster: Buy a Desk Plant

SavvySugar — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 04:30:00 -0700

The workplace is more stressful than ever lately, and it's important to maintain a sense of well-being during tumultuous times so that we stay healthy and don't let stress take over our ability to enjoy life.

Instead of packing up your belongings in preparation for a possible pink slip, make yourself even more at home by bringing in a plant for your desk. According to a recent study by HortScience, the presence of something green will do more than take up space: it can actually improve your quality of life at the office, which is definitely something most of us could use.

Tina Marie Cade, the study's co-author, says a bouquet of flowers has the same mood-boosting effects as a potted plant. Stop by your local farmers market for an inexpensive arrangement or hit up the flower shop to choose your green desk mascot. You may just find work is a little more pleasant with this small addition, and it's the perfect way to celebrate Spring.

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Candy Industry Even Sweeter in Recession

SavvySugar — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 07:15:17 -0700

It seems a spoonful of sugar helps the hard economic times go down. While most industries are suffering, candy creators and shops are reporting gains. Companies like Cadbury, Nestle and Hershey reported profits in 2008, with Cadbury leading the group with a 30 percent rise.

The reasons for the sweet spike are varied - some believe society is in need of a quick pick-me-up and therefore turning to treats, others believe candy offers a nostalgic reminder of childhood and a time when things were more simple and stress free. Either way, it's a cheap, sweet fix. A selection of shop owners in different cities across the US told the New York Times demand for vintage candies like Mary Janes, Tootsie Rolls, Gummy Bears, Bit-O-Honeys, Swedish Fish, Necco Wafers, Mallo Cups and Sour Balls are all up.

While turning to sweets here and there is understandable, FitSugar warns not to make a habit of comforting yourself with food. Have you been indulging on Razzles in the name of the recession?

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Have You Been Losing Sleep Over the Economy?

SavvySugar — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 09:30:38 -0800

A recent poll by the National Sleep Foundation found that about 34 percent of Americans have been suffering from restless nights due to the economy, whether it's related to personal finances or employment concerns. Less sleep leaves you more vulnerable to getting sick, so it's important that you get sufficient rest - especially if the cost of health care is an issue for you. Has your sleep been disturbed by economic worries?

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Dentists and Deodorant Are Recession Bedfellows

SavvySugar — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 11:30:36 -0800

There aren't many winners in this economy, so it's interesting to see which businesses are posting profits and getting it done despite the recession. It has become clear that hygiene is of the utmost importance as of late because dentistry and deodorant makers have been sitting pretty through the crisis.

Dentists attribute an uptick in client visits to a couple of patterns: People are grinding their teeth so much because of economy-related stress and need dental work because of it; those without dental insurance are putting off appointments to the point where they need serious work; and nervous employees with insurance are rushing to get to the dentist while they still have coverage.

To find out why deodorant sales are up, read more.

Deodorant makers are experiencing an increase in sales as well, and they are crediting the success to the release of more expensive clinical formulas. These products can cost more than double the price of original formulas, but cash-strapped consumers are willing to shell out the extra dough. Lisa J. Pieretti, executive director of the International Hyperhidrosis Society (hyperhidrosis means extreme sweating) explained why she thinks people are paying more and said, "At least I’d have the confidence that I’m not going to go to a job interview and have huge sweat stains under my arms, which will make people perceive that I’m nervous or lying or I don’t know what I’m talking about."

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