Americans skimp on healthy activities in bad economy

Yet another negative result of the bad economy: Americans are cutting back on healthy activities such as eating fresh foods and exercising regularly. In a national omnibus survey of 1,000 people conducted in March 2009 by the American Heart Association:

* 57 percent said the economy has affected their ability to take care of their health
* 32 percent have made a change in the last six months to save money, such as delaying preventive care appointments, not taking medications or skipping the dentist
* 25 percent of those with gym memberships have cancelled in the previous six months
* 42 percent plan to make changes in the next six months that may impact their health, such as buying fewer fruits and vegetables

Results of the study spell trouble for Americans' overall well-being and heart health in particular, said Timothy Gardner, M.D., President of the American Heart Association