GROUP AJ87 UTM

How much is your health worth?

Interesting question... and according to an article in the Sept. 22, 2008 issue of TIME magazine (page 74) investing in healthy living now may add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars later in life.

Here are a couple of interesting points from the article:

-- "Most people save for retirement by focusing on their wealth. But you may accomplish more by focusing on your health. That's because the out-of-pocket costs for diseases that may be avoidable through diet and exercise can be staggering. Getting and staying fit now may be worth tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars later--a sum that just might exceed the carefully crafted stockpile in your 401(k)."

-- "Obese people spend a third more than fit people on health services and three-quarters more on medications..."

-- "Not buying cigarettes alone can add up to more than US$100,000 if you stop at age 40 and invest the difference conservatively until age 65."

-- "Get moving. Exercise and diet are keys to avoiding high blood pressure and heart disease, which together have annual costs to the individual of US$606, according to Nationwide's analysis. Investing that sum for 25 years may provide more thanUS$35,000."

If you don't have a copy of TIME magazine, you can read the full article here on TIME's website.

So, how are you investing in your health??