Health in hard times

Economic struggles affect more than the girth of our pocketbooks. Indeed, the loss of a job, stress from taking on more work or worrying about finances - or even the inability to afford health-affirming things like gym memberships or organic foods - can result in financial problems turning into health problems.

Take, for example, the millions of workers without jobs. The International Herald Tribune reported this week that unemployment in the U. S . is up to 8. 1 percent - a 25-year high. Just last month, an additional 650,000 jobs were lost.

That means not only jobs were lost, but health care options for many and the money to afford necessary medicine and procedures that …