Staying Healthy in a Tough Economy(ergency care while alsocompromising your...),Health

"You should really think about going to your primary care physician who knows your medical history, coordinates your follow up care and interacts with other doctors to make sure you're getting the highest quality care possible at the lowest cost," says Fendrick.

While the economy is forcing individuals to make difficult choices Fendrick puts it in perspective: "Remember your health is your most important asset, not your money."

    Tips for healthy health care spending:

    1.  Continue to adopt healthy lifestyles: diet and exercise can
        help stave off many diseases.
    2.  Ask your doctor if prescription medications are available in
        generic forms.
    3.  Keep up-to-date with recommended screening tests, such as
        mammograms, colonoscopies or immunizations.

    For more information, visit these Web sites:

    Resources:
    UMHS Financial Assistance:
   http://www.med.umich.edu/1toolbar/support/FA.htm
    UMHS News: Children, adults using discount generic Rx programs:
   http://www.med.umich.edu/opm/newspage/2008/poll9.htm
    UMHS News: Pill-splitting study looks at cost-saving step:
   http://www.med.umich.edu/opm/newspage/2007/split.htm