Wealth column: The convergence of health and wealth

Now that we're out of hectic holiday season, many people are focusing on putting their health first.

Did you know that in doing that, you could be saving yourself thousands of dollars in retirement as well? Here's how you can find big savings at the crossroads of health and wealth.

Exercise Reduces Risks

According to the American Diabetes Association, physical activity helps to improve your health in a number of ways, including lowering your blood pressure, lowering your risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke, as well as improving circulation and relieving stress levels.

They also say that regular exercise helps keeps bones, joints and your heart strong, which could mean you're less likely to suffer from injuries, rehabilitation services and costly surgeries that could eat up a chunk of your retirement savings.

Eating Healthy Can Mean Lower Costs

While you can surely spend an arm and a leg on expensive health foods and drinks at a smoothie bar, cooking a healthy meal at home for your family can cost only a fraction of a meal out on the town.

Restaurants typically cook their food in lots of oil, butter and salt, which is why it can taste so good, but all of those fats and sodium can be detrimental to your health, especially if you're eating out on a regular basis. By cutting down on how often you eat out, you can also save big on those restaurant bills and get the added benefit of knowing exactly what's going into the meals you and your family enjoy together.

Drink More Water

Whether you're eating out or sitting at home, choosing water over a sugary drink or alcoholic beverage can make a big impact on your bottom line and your waistline. It's well known that drinking eight glasses of water a day is good for our bodies and can help raise our metabolism, helping us lose weight, but think about how much money it could save you as well.

Instead of buying a cocktail or a glass of pop on your next night out, order water and watch your total bill drop. Consider drinking more water at home as well to cut down on grocery bills as well.

Being Healthy Means Cheaper Long-Term Care Insurance

One of the biggest ways being healthy can save you money is later in life when it's time to apply for long-term care insurance. Long-term care insurance can help you to pay for needed medical care, like home health aides, long-term nursing home care and assisted living facilities. The healthier you are when you apply, the more likely you'll be approved for long-term care and the lower your premiums may be.

If you decide not to get a long-term care insurance policy, staying healthy throughout your lifetime is just as beneficial because it helps lower the likelihood of needing the long-term care that can cause your retirement to go off track. The more you can do now to stay on top of your health, the better you, and your bank account, will feel down the road.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.