Recession Health

NEW YORK -- The economic crisis has us all worrying about family budgets and retirement plans and the dreaded *r* word, recession.

But there are some economists who believe there is a silver lining to the dreary economic climate.

So you may have lost your job recently and you've been watching the DOW and your retirement funds hit bottom.

But there's reason to cheer up because the one thing that could increase in this down economy, is your health.

"It's a lot of things that provide more health," said professor Ryan Edwards of Queens College of New York.

This Queens College professor is working on research that shows people tend to become healthier during economic downturns.

"They actually take the time they have now that they're unemployed or working less because others are unemployed, they take the time and use it to do healthy pursuits," said Edwards.

Like actually using that gym membership, Equinox Fitness says they've seen a ten percent spike in visits to their clubs which is a big up tick even during the fall when it typically gets colder outside.

David Harris says he can remember another surge in gym visits in recent time.

"Right after 9-11 where I think people really saw the value of working out and really connecting with a greater sense of community while also relieving stress," Harris said.

Other gyms are seeing the same and some say burning off steam is the best way to deal with the economic meltdown.

"The one stable thing really in my life that I keep coming and i've been training more and more focused," said Miranda Reinfeldt who regularly works out.

And when money is tight people tend to eat out at restaurants less, opting instead for healthy home cooked meals.

But experts warn the outlook is not all rosy.

Losing one's job and being in economic turmoil can also prompt depression.

While some also say this is not the time to get sick.

"I got laid off a while ago and I'll have to pay for my own health insurance so it behooves me to do my yoga, take my vitamins and be careful about my health," said Suzanne Colon who does yoga.

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