Rising Health Costs Prompt Women to Negl...( -Survey Reveals Nearly Half Have Skip...),Health

-Survey Reveals Nearly Half Have Skipped Medical Care Due to Cost Issues-

RED BANK, N.J., Dec. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new survey released today by the National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC) highlights another troubling aspect of the current financial crisis: many women have failed to seek health care for themselves or their families to save money. Findings also indicate that many women say their health has gotten worse over the past five years and that the primary cause women cite for this decline is stress. In addition, while the vast majority of women are emotionally prepared to grow older, the majority do not feel financially prepared.

"Today's financial crisis and increasing health costs are clearly impacting women's decisions around health care, and their physical and emotional well-being," said Elizabeth Battaglino Cahill, RN, executive director of NWHRC. "It's hard to stay calm and relaxed given our hectic lives -- even in the best of times. But women need to understand that skimping on health care to save them money may cost them more in the long run. They also need to learn how to better manage their stress, both about their health and their finances."

Conducted by Harris Interactive, the fourth annual, national Women T.A.L.K. survey explored issues related to women's health specifically around women's attitudes about health care costs as well as healthy aging.

Stress Takes a Toll on Women's Physical and Emotional Health

A significant number of women report making sacrifices in order to reduce their expenditures on health care and that their health is declining.

• Nearly half of women (45%) have failed to seek medical care in the past year because the cost was too high. This includes skipping doctor's visits, recommended medical procedures and medication for themselves or their fam
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