The Credit-Card Health Risk

The Credit-Card Health Risk

Debt can give you more than a headache











High levels of income-eating debt--especially big credit-card bills--may be related to high blood pressure, insomnia, and even problems with physical mobility, vision, and hearing, researchers at Ohio State University in Columbus have found.

They asked more than 1,000 people about their credit histories, stress levels, and physical impairments. Those with the most health complaints tended to have larger credit-card debts and to feel more stressed about what they owed (Social Science & Medicine, 50(4), Feb 2000).

"The more income is tied up in debt, the higher the chance of health problems," says lead study author Paul Lavrakas, PhD, professor and director of the Center for Survey Research at the university. "But stress levels count too. Even people who felt stressed about smaller debts had poorer health."

Best bet? Try to maintain a healthy income-to-debt ratio and incorporate daily stress-reduction tactics--such as a walk, spending time with close friends, or trying out a relaxation program from a book, tape, or class.

Four Ways to Trim Debt Stress
Don't avoid your bank and credit-card statements. Once you have a clear understanding of how much you owe, devise a plan to pay it down.

Rein in those cards. Cut up your cards, if necessary, to resist the temptation of going into still more debt.

Reduce debt faster. Consider sending more than the minimum required payment to credit-card companies each month. Or, investigate short-term loans at low interest rates for credit-card consolidation.

Consider a financial counselor. If debt feels too overwhelming, a trained advisor could help.