A new survey released 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 gow 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 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." 

An encouraging outcome of the survey is that women tend to have positive feelings toward aging and more commonly view it as an adventure and an opportunity versus a struggle or something to be depressed about.  They tend to be inspired by others who also have positive attitudes and stay active as they grow older.  Women also undertake a variety of activities to feel good about themselves in terms of personal appearance as they age.  Activities they rate as most improtant in this area are to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly (each cited by 21 percent of women).  When asked what other information women need to feel more prepared for growing older, the top answer was financial information, cited by 51 percent of women.

To visit the online wellness center, go to www.healthywomen.org/wellness.