How the economic downturn can be beneficial to your health

Maybe the recession is just what the doctor prescribes.

Economic downturns appear to be beneficial to health, according to a study published this week by the National Bureau of Economic Research of the United States.

The study by Christopher Rühm professor at the University of Virginia, is based on earlier studies looking at the impact of economic downturns on health. "There is significant evidence that harmful habits like drinking and SMOKING decrease in bad economic times, such as health strengthens with increase in activities like sports and social interactions, "says Mr. Rühm.

Part of the reason seems to be higher unemployment, which may put activities such as drinking and smoking outside first-rate needs. But Minor health products appear more strongly in the bleakest economic periods.

"The new evidence for this claim is that the severe national recession occurred in early 1980 and the end of the first decade of the 21st century have a protective effect on total mortality." Says Mr. Rühm. During the so-called "Great Recession" in 2007-09, there were fewer deaths from accidents, cancer and other diseases, for example.

Research Rühm not say why. It's easy to assume that less smoking and drinking is good for you. Pollution can also decrease when economic activity falls sharply.
"What would be interesting, but we have no evidence is there other factors," says Mr. Rühm. "Is this a time when people are together, perhaps, or maybe you're in a bad position is not so bad. These are opportunities, but we do not know the answer at this stage."

E.Dimitrov JrTrader