The Economy And Your Health

Joey Pagni hopes his yard sale will help him pay this month's bills. Like so many others, the economy hasn't been good to Pagni. He was recently laid off and is doing anything he can to make a few bucks.

"We're having a yard sale to clean out two storage units," says Pagni. "Get all the stuff into one unit and cut our monthly expenses, plus have a little extra spending money."

George Downs is also pinching pennies. Down's says he's glad he can save his family money at the yard sale while helping Pagni get through a difficult time.

"We're always looking for bargains and can find them at yard sales," says Downs. "When we get back home we're going to get rid of our phone and do some other things. We're not going to take as many vacations, we're on a fixed income and you gotta do something to save money."

Counselors and therapists have been busy with new patients. Licensed Professional Counselor Greg Peavy says his new patients are stressed about the economy.

"We're seeing an increase in people having anxiety," says Peavy. "And it's easy to see why. Look at the stock market, it's all doom and gloom. But people do need to realize that things are going to change."

Here are a few tips Peavy says to try to reduce stress:

-Walking/exercise. Regular physical activity can release stress and make you feel better.
-Breathing exercises. Trying different deep-breathing techniques can relax the muscles and the body.
-Make a list of goals. Short-term and long-term goals are beneficial.
-Seek professional help. If stress/anxiety becomes too much, seek help from a counselor or therapist.