We are all affected by the credit crisis in one way or another, yet very few people are actually aware of the fact that the economic downturn is taking a toll on our health as well as our bank accounts. While threats of a deeper recession continue to engender panic worldwide, the prospect of losing everything is threatening to overwhelm many.

But can the credit crunch actually make you sick? Recent research suggests it can. The stress of not being able to make ends meet is certainly a psychological burden, driving some individuals to drastic means (the shocking stories of shoplifting, violence, and even suicide come to mind), yet it can also take a physical toll. Excessive stress has been known to lead to an increase in headaches, stomach pains, increased vulnerability to bacteria and disease, not to mention problems with the heart and nervous system. The fact that the poor economy is also affecting the health sector is not a comforting thought either; however, it is important to be aware of these problems if we are to challenge them.

Various healthcare services (the NHS included) are hit hard by inflation, and the decrease in investments from private sectors and banks can hamper their ability to provide top-quality service to all. In a paper recently published by the British Medical Journal, John Appleby predicts that every 1% rise in inflation of interest rates will cost the NHS 380m every year, and that this will have the biggest repercussions from 2011 onwards. This is a major problem, as it is a vicious cycle: the credit crisis makes more people unwell, while at the same time the high demand for health services cannot be back up financially.

The repercussions of the credit crisis can also be felt on a more personal level. Winter often heightens our vulnerability to airborne diseases, and the added stresses of the recession make us even more vulnerable. Many people throughout the UK are also suffering from sleep deprivation, or as the BBC calls it, credit crunch insomnia. An online poll from NetDoctor reveals that one-fifth of the population are getting fewer than five hours of sleep a night, and many blame this on the constant worrying that accompanies financial difficulties.

Although we might not be able to control where the crisis takes us next, we are still in control of our own good health. Simple techniques such as getting enough exercise, getting a few more Zs at night, and eating a well-balanced, varied diet may seem to be painstakingly obvious, and yet very few people make changes to their routines to prepare for winter. The seasons lingering darkness often brings down your mood and energy levels. It is important to recognize this, and adapt your routine to improve both health and happiness.

Osteopaths also promote various techniques to alleviate some of the pressure of financial problems. Massages (either professional ones from an osteopath employing pressure-points, or one from a friend or relative) are a great way to stimulate the blood flow and get circulation going in your tensest areas. This, combined with joint therapy their ability to provide tips on stress management and breathing exercises, makes an osteopath a good source to visit when the economic crisis deals a blow to your health.

While all our wallets are affected by the credit crunch, it is important to recognize that our health does not have to be. By taking good care of yourself and consulting the right experts, you can ensure that recession is limited to your bank account.